Evidence supporting the use of: Shankhpushpi
For the body system: Acetylcholine
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) has a long-standing use in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a “medhya rasayana,” or a brain tonic, believed to enhance memory, cognition, and mental clarity. The traditional rationale for using Shankhpushpi centers on its calming, nootropic, and adaptogenic properties. Ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Bhavaprakasha describe its use for improving intellect, reducing anxiety, and supporting overall brain function. The link to the acetylcholine system is indirect in traditional medicine: Shankhpushpi is said to support “nervous system health,” which in modern terms can be associated with neurotransmitter regulation, including acetylcholine, which is crucial for memory and cognition.
Modern scientific studies are limited but suggest that extracts of Shankhpushpi may have neuroprotective effects and could potentially modulate cholinergic activity, based on animal models. Some studies have shown increased acetylcholine levels or acetylcholinesterase inhibition in rodent brains, but robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Overall, the use of Shankhpushpi to support the acetylcholine system is justified primarily by tradition, with modest preclinical scientific support but insufficient high-quality human data.
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