Evidence supporting the use of: Shankhpushpi
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a "medhya rasayana," meaning a herb that supports cognitive function, calming the mind, and promoting restful sleep. Its use for insomnia is primarily based on its classification as a nervine tonic and its reputed anxiolytic properties in classical Ayurvedic texts, where it is frequently recommended for conditions attributed to mental stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Shankhpushpi is often included in polyherbal formulations aimed at improving sleep and mental tranquility.
Scientific evidence for Shankhpushpi's effectiveness in treating insomnia is limited. A few animal studies suggest mild sedative or anxiolytic activity, such as reduced locomotor activity in mice or decreased stress markers, possibly due to alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides present in the plant. However, robust clinical trials in humans addressing insomnia specifically are lacking. Most published data are either in preclinical models or involve combinations with other herbs, making it difficult to isolate the effects of Shankhpushpi alone. Thus, while its use is deeply rooted in traditional systems, scientific validation remains sparse and of low quality.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut
Other health conditions supported by Shankhpushpi
Alzheimer's DiseaseAnxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Concentration (poor)
Dementia
Depression
Insomnia
Memory and Brain Function
Stress