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DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Issue 10, Vol.4 (Jul-Aug 2021)
Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738
©2021 RS Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 1
AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL IMPORTANCE OF
SHANKHPUSHPI (CONVOLVULUS PLURICAULIS):
POTENTAIL COGNITION BOOSTING HERB
Shifali Thakur1, Hemlata kaurav2*
#1-Shuddhi Ayurveda, JeenaSikhoLifecare Pvt. Ltd. Zirakpur 140603, Punjab, India.
9501198761,Thakurshifalithakur123@gmail.com
#2- Shuddhi Ayurveda, JeenaSikhoLifecare Pvt. Ltd. Zirakpur, 140603, Punjab, India.
9736140010, shuddhi.research@jeenasikho.co.in
ABSTRACT
India is enriched in a diversity of plants since past times. Herbal plants are indigenous and
very potent that consider a gift of nature. Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is known
as a Medhya (brain tonic) Rasayana in the Indian traditional system. The medicinal herb is
considered to enhance certain aspects related to intellect and memory improvement.
Shankhpushpi is a Sanskrit word that means "the plant with flowers shaped like a conch. It is
a perennial herb which seems like morning glory. The shankha is one of Lord Shiva's sacred
instruments. It consists of various phytochemical constituents mainly in the form of proteins,
amino acids and the alkaloids convolvine. Many types of research have been done on the
Convolvulus pluricaulis plant and showed various therapeutic and pharmacological activities.
It includes nootropic activity, antidepressant, antistress, anxiolytic, antioxidant, antidiabetic,
cardiovascular activity and many others. Thus this medicinal plant is playing a vital role in
the medical field. The present review is a summary of the phytomedicinal importance of
Convolvulus pluricaulis in the traditional medicinal system as well as the modern system.
Keywords: Convolvulus pluricaulis, Shankhpushpi, Nootropic, Ayurveda, Alcohol
INTRODUCTION
Herbal drugs are gaining popularity in the field of medicine in both developing and
developed countries because of their natural origin and fewer side effects [1]. Human
recognized their dependence on nature for a healthy life. Humanity has depended on the
diversity of plant resources for food, clothing, shelter and medicine to cure myriads of
ailments [2]. Plants are the principal source of natural compounds that possess biological and
pharmacological activities [3,4,5]. The phytochemical constituents are extracted from the
plant. They have been used in both traditional and modern medicine in the world [6,7].In
India, Shankhpushpi is utilized mostly in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. All the parts of the plant
are considered as a therapeutic source for various human diseases. Shankhpushpi was
consisting of the whole plant of Convolvulus pluricaulis, Evolvulusalsenoids,
Citoreaternatea, Lavendulabipinnata and Canscoradecussata. Plants other than C.
pluricaulis use the name Shankhpushpi in different parts of the country. Further studies have
been established that Convolvulus pluricaulis is the plant species that should be taken in the
name of Shankhpushpi [8]. Convolvulus is a genus of the Convolvulaceae family [9].
Convolvulaceaeis known as the morning glory family of the plants that are covering over
1880 species in 57 types [10]. The quality standard of C. pluricaulis was published by the
Indian Council of Medical Research [11]. The number of researches proved their scientific
potential in the central nervous system, depression, anxiolytic, tranquilizing, antidepressant,
antistress, neurodegenerative, anti-amnesia, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory,
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Issue 10, Vol.4 (Jul-Aug 2021)
Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738
©2021 RS Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 2
analgesic, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, anticatatonic, and cardiovascular,
antidiabetic, antiulcer, anticatatonic and cardiovascular activity [12]. Shankhpushpi is a
Sanskrit word that means "the plant with flowers shaped like a conch". According to
Hinduism, Shankha is one of the sacred instrument of Lord Shiva. The plant is widely
distributed in southern parts of India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. It is mostly cultivated above
an altitude of 1300m. It consists of various phytochemical compounds like xanthones,
triterpenoids, loliolide, sterols and flavonoids [13,14]. Many types of research have been
done on the Convolvulus pluricaulis plant and showed various therapeutic and
pharmacological activities. It includes nootropic activity, antidepressant, antistress,
anxiolytic, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardiovascular activity and many others. Vernacular
names and Taxonomy of Convolvulus pluricaulis is given in table 1 and 2 respectively.
Table 1. Vernacular names of Convolvulus pluricaulis
English
speedwheel
Hindi
Shankhpushpi, Aparajit
Sanskrit
Sankhapuspi
Urdu
Sankhali
Punjabi
Shankhpushpi
Bengali
Sankhapuspi
Gujarati
Shankhavali
Kannada
Bilikanthisoppu
Malayalam
Krsnakranti, Vishnukranthi
Marathi
Shankhabela
Oriya
Krishna-enkranti
Tamil
Sanghupushpam, kakkurattai
Tibetan
Shankhapushpi
Telugu
Shankhapushpi
Table 2. Taxonomical classification of Convolvulus pluricaulis
Taxonimical Rank
Taxon
Kingdom
Plantae
Sub Kingdom
Tracheobionta
Division
Magnoliophyte
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Solanales
Family
Convolvulaceae
Genus
Convolvulus
Species
Pluricaulis
Common Name
Shankhpushpi
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Issue 10, Vol.4 (Jul-Aug 2021)
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BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION OF CONVOLVULUS PLURICAULIS
C. pluricaulis (Figure 1) is a perennial plant. The branches of C. pluricaulis are widely spread
on the ground and long up to 30 cm. Roots are usually branched, cylindrical, ribbed having
some rough stem nodules. Small roots are 1-5cm long, 0.1-.04 cm thick. The color of the root
changes from brown to light brown. Stems are cylindrical with hairy nodes and internodes.
Leaves are shortly petiolate linear-lanceolate, acute, hairy on both surfaces. Leaves are l0.5-2
cm long and 0.1-0.5cm broad light green in color. Flowers are white or purple. It is solitary or
in pairs sessile or sub-sessile in the leaf axis Fruits are capsuled, oblong globose with
coriaceous, pale brown pericarp. Seed are minutely puberulous and brown in color [15].
Figure 1. Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhpushpi)
GEOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION OF CONVOLVULUS PLURICAULIS
Convolvulus species are distributed all over the world. But the plant convolvulus pluricaulis
is mostly cultivated in areas with a Mediterranean climate and in semi-desert regions. In
India, C. pluricaulis is known from the margins and within the Sahara and Sind desert [16]. It
is widely distributed in Gujarat, Konkan, Sindh and Bihar. It is found all over in rainy season
[17,18]
PHYTOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS OF CONVOLVULUS PLURICAULIS
There are various chemical constituents isolated from Shankhpushpi like Carbohydrates-D-
glucose, rhamnose, maltose, sucrose and starch. It also contains protein, amino acids and the
alkaloids-convolvine, convosine, subhirsine and convolvidine along with fatty acid and wax
constituents, hydrocarbons, aliphatic and sterol and certain other bio-chemicals [18].
1. Carbohydrates: D-glucose, maltose, rhamnose, sucrose, starch and other carbohydrates
[19,20].
2. Fatty acids/ Volatile oil/ Fixed oil: Fatty alcohols [21] and hydrocarbons, 30.9% myristic
acid, 66.8% palmitic acid and 2.3% linoleic acid and hextriacontane [22,23].
3. Protein and Amino acids: Proteins and amino acids are also isolated from the plant.
4. Phenolic/Glycosides/Triterpenoid/Steroids: Deshpande et al., reported a chemical
examination of the whole plant of C. pluricaulis and found the presence of scopoletin, β-
sitosterol and ceryl alcohol [5]. Choloroform fraction of this contains 20-oxodotriacontanol,
tertratriacontanoic acid and 29-oxodotriacontanol, flavonoid-kampferol, steroids-
phytochemical [4]. CP-1 is a phytochemical marker that has been isolated and characterized
by the HPTLC technique [24,25,26,27].
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
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Figure 2. Chemical structure of some major constituents of C. pluricaulis(Shankhpushpi)
TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW
A. AYURVEDIC VIEW
Convolvulus pluricaulis is a common plant in southern India. The herb is quoted to be
Soubhagyakarana and Vasikarana in Vedas. There are various synonyms used for
shankhpushpi in Ayurveda like Nyastika, Subhangakarani, Sahasraparni, samvanani,
samuspala, babhru, kalyani etc. According to Acharya Charak Shankhpushpi is one of the
best "medhya drug" in MedhyaRasayana. Brihttrayi has mentioned Shankhpushpi's limited
number of times and they did not include it in any Gana or Varga. Dhanvantarinighantu
mentioned only one variety of Shankhpushpi. Sodhala mentioned both varieties red
(Raktapuspika) and blue flowered (Nilapushpa) and Kaiyadevnighantu described two
varieties like Shankhpushpi and Sarpakshi. Bhavamishra quoted it in two varieties like white
(Shvet) and blue (Nila) varieties [28]. The rasa Panchak and description of this herb
according to nighantus are mentioned in table no. 3 and table no. 4 accordingly.
Table 3: Rasa Panchak of Shankhpushpi [29]
Sanskrit/English
Sanskrit/English
Rasa/Taste
Katu,Kashaya/Astringent,Bitter
Guna/Physical Properties
Guru,Sara,Snigdha,Pichchila/Heavy,oily
Virya/Potency
Ushna/ Hot
Vipaka/Metabolic property
Madhura/ Sweet
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
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Table 4: Description of Shankhpushpi in Nighantus
1. DhanvantariNighantu
It quoted this herb in KarviradiVarga. It explained
shankhpushpi as a medhya and Rasayana drug. It is
utilized in Vishachikitsa (toxicity), ApasmarChikitsa
(Epilepsy) and Bhootchikitsa (Psychological diseases)
[30]
2. KaiyadevNighantu
According to this, Shankhpushpi is said to be Medhya
and Rasayana. It is also utilized in Apasmar (epilepsy),
Kushtha (skin related) , Bhoot, Visha (toxicity) and
krimi-chikitsa (parasitic infections) [31].
3. ShodhalNighantu
It quoted Shankhpushpi in KarviradiVarga. There is
incomplete description of shankhpushpi in
ShodhalNighantu [32].
4. MadanpalNighantu
Shankhpushpi is described in AbhyadiVarga. It is also
known as Kiriti, kambumalini, Shankhahuli,
Shankhnagni. This is also utilized as Medhya, Rasayana,
Intellect promoter and as cognitive drug [33].
5. BhavprakashNighanti
According to this, Shankhpushpi is described in
GuruchyadiVarga. Shankhavaha, Manglayakusuma are
the synonyms given to the plant. It also mentioned
shankhpushpi to be utilized as medhya (mind
rejuvenator), Vrishya (Aphrodsic), manasroghrit,
rasayana, and a cognitive drug. It also to be
recommended in Kushtha, krimi and vishachikitsa,
shankhpushpi is said to be Kasaya and Ushna [34].
6. Raj Nighantu
It described Shankhpushpi in Guruchydivarga. It
described as a drug that promotes intellect and helps to
improve voice quality [35]
Actions of Shankhpushpi according to Ayurveda
Medhya – promotes the intellectual capacity
Swarakarini – improves voice
Grahabhootadidoshaghni – useful in diseases of supernatural origin
Rasayani- rejuvenates the body
Kantida- enhances the aura of the body and gives it a healthy look
MajjadhatuRasayana – rejuvenates the nervous tissue
Unmadaghna – alleviates insanity and emotional instability
Vrishya- aphrodisiac
Pachanbala- increases the strength of the digestive system
Chedana- Laxative
Nidrajnana- promotes sleep
Various Formulations of Shankhpushpi described in Charak Samhita [36]
PrathamBrahmarasayana, Dwitiya Brahmarasayana, IndraRasayana, MedhyaRasayana,
Brahmi Ghrit, Brahmi Ghrit + Shankhpushpi, AgstyaHaritaki
Various Formulations of Shankhpushpi described in AstangHridya [37]
AgstyaHaritaki, TalvavagunthanVidhi, AstangGhrit, Brahmi Ghrit, Brahma Rasayana,
MedhVridhikarRasayana,BrahntiaadiRasayanaYog
Various Formulations of Shankhpushpi described in Sharangdhar Samhita [38]
BrahmiaadiSwarasa, Agstyaharitkyaavaleh, Bindughritam
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
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B. FOLK VIEW
Ethnobotanical research into medicinal plants is becoming an important part of Indian
research and has been included in advanced research during recent years. Plants have much
relevance to socioeconomic and socio-religious aspects of Human life in India. It is an herb
that has been utilized in India for hundreds of years for many disorders such as stress, anxiety
and insomnia and promotes longevity and prevents diseases by providing strength and
immunity. Shankhpushpi is a Sanskrit word. It is the combination of two words
shankh+pushpa in this shankh means a marine shell and Pushpa means flower. Shankha is
one of Lord Shiva's sacred instruments often used in ritual worship. Therefore, shankhpushpi
means the plant with flowers shaped like a conch. This herb is utilized for centuries in India
for the treatment of many ailments like anxiety, insomnia and to promote longevity and
prevent diseases by providing strength and immunity. According to literature tribal in
Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh describes the plant as an anthelmintic, good in dysentery and
also for cure skin ailments and reduces high blood pressure. The leaves of the plant are
recommended for mental disturbance and depression by the locals of Gonda, Uttar Pradesh
[39,40,41,42].
MODERN VIEW
In modern times the herbal drugs are preferred more due to their several advantages over
modern synthetic drugs made up of inorganic sources. Herbal drugs have negligible adverse
impacts on the living systems also these are less expensive than synthetic drugs. But due to
increasing market demand for these herbal drugs their quality is getting degraded due to
factors like adulteration and contamination [43,44,45]. Unintentional adulteration of herbal
drugs is induced by misidentification of species or sometimes by misidentification of plant
parts. It is most probably happened due to the conflict in similarities of vernacular names as
well as scientific names of various medicinal plants. And this practice is directly or indirectly
associated with the degradation of herbal drugs [46]. For instance, M. malabrica (false
nutmeg) is the most common adulterant which is used in true mace herbal drugs [47].
Intentional adulteration is the primary reason behind the degradation of herbal drugs which is
induced to derive maximum profit. It is done by using either orthodox drugs or by the
substitution of inferior products or by adding foreign particles which are most commonly
called as contaminants such as sand, metals, soil etc. [48,49,50]. Mercury, arsenic, and lead,
cadmium, copper and thallium, pesticides, microbes and mycotoxins are the most commonly
used contaminants in herbal drugs [51,52,53,54,55,56,57]. Powders, capsules, extracts are the
commonly available forms of herbal drugs in the market. Usually, adulterants are added to
the herbal drugs either before the processing phase or during the processing phase. Proper
quality analysis and standardization protocols are needed to be applied during these phases so
that the health risk can be avoided [58,59,60]. Standardization ensures the quantity and
quality of the herbal drugs [61]. The most preferred technique in today's time is the standard
DNA barcode which significantly works on the identification of species [62]. Shankhpushpi
is a potent herb that is used in many medicines currently available in India. The formulations
are made up of mixing of many plant extracts or powders including Convolvulus pluricaulis.
These formulations are complex preparations of compounds medicines and involve several
processes. Some preparations have been subjected to clinical trials [63].
Remem (Zydus Industries, India): These medicines are coming in the syrup, tablets. There
are 10 species included in this like Centellaasiatica, Celastruspaniculatus, Convolvulus
pluricaulis, Asparagus racemosus, Acoruscalamus, Embeliaribes, Tinosporacordifolia,
Achyrantesaspera, Terminalia chebula, Saussurealappa.
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
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Tirukati: There are 13 species included in this medicine. It included Bacopamonnieri,
Convolvulus pluricaulis, Centellaasiatica, Asparagus racemosus, Valerianawallichi,
Ruerariatuberosa, Saussurealappa, Embeliaribes, Tinosporacordifolia,
Operculinaturpethum, Pavoniaodorata, Caryophyllusaromaticus, Foeniculumvulgare.
Ayumeno: It was formulated by Welexlabs, India. 5 species used in this formulation like
Centellaasiatica, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Celastruspaniculatus, Withaniasomnifera,
Asparagus racemosus.
Abana (The Himalaya Drug and Co. India): Medicines are coming in the form of tablets
and syrup. It included 19 species: Centellaasiatica, Convolvulus pluricaulis,
Celastruspaniculatus, Balsamodedronmukul, Ocimum sanctum, NardostachysJatamansi,
Piper longum, Carumcopticum, Zingiberofficinalis, Cyperusrotundus, Acoruscalamus,
Embeliaribes, Syzygiumaromaticum, Santalum album, Elettariacardamomum,
Foeniculumvulgare, Rosa damascene, Cinnamomum cassia, Crocus sativus.
Tejras (Sandu Brothers, India): 12 species included in the formulation like
Centellaasiatica, Convolvulus pluricaulis, Celastruspaniculatus, Eclipta alba,
Cynodondactylon, Asparagus racemosus, Withaniasomnifera, NardostachysJatamansi,
Acoruscalamus, Zingiberofficinalis, VetiveriaZizanoides.
Shankhapushpi (Unjha Pharmacy, India): The formulation comes in the form of syrup and
it includes 6 species: Convolvulus pluricaulis, Centellaasiatica. NardostachysJatamansi,
Nepeiahindostana, Nepeiaelliptica, Onosmabrateatum.
REPORTED PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF CONVOLVULUS PLURICAULIS
Various studies have been conducted on this plant to know its pharmaceutical and therapeutic
uses. Large-scale clinical studies are still needed to prove the clinical efficacy of this herb,
especially in stress-related diseases, neuronal disorders and antidepressants. Some reported
studies on Convolvulus pluricaulis are shown below:
1. Nootropic Activity: From reported studies, it was investigated that the ethanolic extract of
Convolvulus pluricaulis and its ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were possessing nootropic
activity. Two doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg/p.o of ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions were
given to rats in separate groups. Both the doses of Convolvulus pluricaulis proved to be
significant for memory and learning in rats [64]. This activity was assessed with passive and
active avoidance paradigms using Cook and Weidley's pole climbing apparatus and elevated
plus-maze as models.
One more study was conducted to find out the nootropic property of Shankhpushpi. Three
plants i.e. Convolvulus pluricaulis, Clitoriaternatea, Evolvulusalsinoides were evaluated for
the nootropic activity using RPM, Porsolt's swim despair and actophotometer models. The
results showed that all three plants possess nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS- depressant activity
but C. pluricaulis plant showed a true source for memory enhancement [65].
2. Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, Antistress, Neurodegenerative and Antiamnesic activity:
From various studies it was investigated that C. pluricaulis possess antagonist activity. The
alcoholic extract of C. pluricaulis was investigated to cause an antagonist effect against
amphetamines and tremorine [66,67].
A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethyl
acetate fraction of the ethanolic extract of C. pluricaulis on the depressed mice. It was
administrated orally for 10 successive days to separate groups of Swiss young male albino
mice. The effects on mice's immobility periods were assessed in the forced swim test (FST)
and tail suspension test (TST). The result showed that only chloroform fraction in doses of 50
and 100mg/kg significantly reduced the immobility time in both FST and TST [68].
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
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From a reported study it was found that the methanolic extract of the C. pluricaulis produced
an alteration in the general behavior pattern, reduction in motor activity, hypothermia,
reduction in exploratory behavior pattern and suppression of aggressive behavior in the
animal model [69].
One more study was conducted on the albino rats to evaluate Antiamnesic property. The dose
of C. pluricaulis (100mg/100g body weight) was given to the model. The result showed
lesser effects than diazepam but higher than that of Centellaasiaticalinn, urban
Hydrocotyleasiatcalinn [70,71,72,73,74,75].
3. Effect on Thyroid Function: One more study was conducted on the hyperthyroid mice.
The root extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis was administrated in the model for 30 days. It
was found that the plant extract-induced inhibition in thyroid function and mediated through
T4 to T3 conversion [76,77].
4. Antioxidant activity:Nahata et al., reported that the ethanolic extract of C. pluricaulis
possesses significant antioxidant activity.
5. Hypolipidemic activity: From a reported study it was found that the ethanolic extract of
C. pluricaulis possesses hypolipidemic activity. The extract was administrated to Cholesterol
fed gerbils. Results showed a reduction in serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides
and phospholipids significantly after 90 days [78].
6. Analgesic Activity: Sharma et al., investigated analgesic activity of C. pluricaulis in the
mice. The extract of C. pluricaulis was caused a reduction in the fighting behavior in the
model but didn't show analgesic property although it potentiated morphine analgesia.
7. Antimicrobial activity: C. pluricaulis plant was bioassayed by the leaf disc method by
feeding deterrence using Spilosoma oblique walker as a text insect. A new compound, 29-
oxodotriacontanol was isolated from the chloroform fraction of this plant which was found to
be a significant antifeedant constituent whereas another compound, tetratriacontanoic acid
was discovered for the first time in this plant [79].
8. Antidiabetic Activity: Alam et al., was reported that C. pluricaulis plant possesses
antidiabetic activity. The extracts were found to be an effective remedy for the treatment of
diabetes [80].
9. Antiulcer and anticatatonic activity: Sairam et al., investigated the antiulcerogenic
activity of the fresh juice ofC. pluricaulisin rat model. The model was artificially injected
with ethanol and aspirin to cause gastric ulcer in the stomach. C. pluricaulis was given orally
twice daily in the doses of 375 and 750 mg/kg body weight. Results showed anti-ulcerogenic
effects in the rats[81].
10. Effect on Reproductive system: Singh et al., was reported in their study that the juice of
the C. pluricaulis plant prevents excessive menstruation. The fine paste of the plant is helpful
for the treatment of abscesses [82].
11. Cardiovascular activity: From the reported studies it was found that total water-soluble
extract of the C. pluricaulis plant caused a marked and prolonged hypotension in dogs and
also reduced the frog myocardium. Ethanolic extract of the plant exerted a negative
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Issue 10, Vol.4 (Jul-Aug 2021)
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ionotropic action on amphibian and mammalian myocardium. It also deployed spasmolytic
activity on smooth muscles [83,84,85]
12. Alcohol Addition: A study was conducted on the mice to investigate the effect of
shankhpushpi as an anti-additive drug. The effect of churna of shankhpushpi was measured
on ethanol withdrawal anxiety in mice model using elevated plus maze. Results showed that
shankhpushpi churna reversed ethanol withdrawal anxiety and also decreased chronic alcohol
consumption in these mice in a GABA receptor-dependent manner [86].
13. Anthelmintic Activity: Shankhpushpi is a highly bitter in taste and also known as
anthelmintic drug. In-vitro study was conducted on the six adult Indian earthworms and cattle
worms to evaluated the anthelmintic effect. It was found that shankhpushpi is effective on the
earthworm and has anthelmintic activity [87].
Table 5: Reported therapeutic and pharmacological properties of Convolvulus pluricualis
S. No.
Extract
Method
(in vivo/
in –vitro)
Pharmacological Activity
References
1
Ethanolic
Extract/ Ethyl
Acetate
Rat Model
Nootropic Activity
64
2
Alcoholic
Extract
In –vivo study in Rats
Antagonist
66,67
3
Petroleum
ether,
chloroform,
ethyl acetate
fraction of
Ethanolic
extract
Swiss young male
albino mice
Anti-depressant
68
4
Methanolic
Extract
Rat Models
Anti-stress
69
5
Root extract
In –vivo study in
Albino mice
Neurodegenerative
70,71,72,73,
74,75
6
Root extract
In-vivo study in
hyperthyroid mice
Effect on thyroid
76,77
7
Ethanolic
Extract
In –vivo study in
cholesterol fed gerbils
Hypolipidemic
78
8
Root extract
Mice Model
Analgesic Activity
79
9
Water soluble
extract
In vivo study in
Dog/frog
Cardiovascular
83,84,85
10
Root extract
Mice model
Alcohol Addition
86
TOXICOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The mice model treated with extracts of C. pluricaulis plant showed a sedative effect at doses
higher than 200mg/kg and reflected a moderate to the marked decrease in locomotor activity.
The activity lasted for 1-2 hours. The decrease in motor activity due to spontaneous motor
activity was observed during the study. At a higher dose animals died due to respiratory
distress [88].
DOI : https://dx.doi.org/10.26808/rs.ph.i11v4.01
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Health Care Issue 10, Vol.4 (Jul-Aug 2021)
Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijphc/index.html ISSN 2249 – 5738
©2021 RS Publication, rspublicationhouse@gmail.com Page 10
CONCLUSION
Convolvulus pluricaulis is utilized as folk medicine to cure different diseases. According to
the Indian Traditional system (Ayurveda), Shankhpushpi is considered as one of the most
significant plant and the best nootropic agent. It is a primary source from where we get
carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, starch and volatile oils. These are the class of
phytochemicals that are utilized as the main constituent in numerous formulations endorsed
for several ailments. It is referred as an antioxidant, antidiabetic, antagonist, antidepressant,
cardiovascular and many others. It is specially used as a cognitive boosting agent. As this
herb is very bitter and pungent, so there is a need to develop its herbal formulation with
improved taste for better patient compliant.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Authors are thankful to the Department of Research and Development of JeenaSikhoPvt. Ltd.
ZirakpurPunjab for giving us the opportunity to explore this ancient medicinal plant.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
None
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