Abstract

GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF SHANKHPUSHPI ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Dr. Vinod Ranga* and Dr. Sneh Ranga

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Abstract

Convolvulus prostratus (Convolvulus Pluricaulis) is an herb found in India and Burma that is used in Ayurveda. The Ayurveda preparation shankhpushpi is, according to most sources, identical with Convolvulus prostratus, but some say shankapushpi is instead Clitoria ternatea. Shankhpushpi has been used traditionally as a brain tonic and is believed to help a wide range of issues. It is believed to have demonstrated potential for anxiolytic, relaxant, and anti-obsessive effects, as well as nootropic effects.Shankhpushpi has been found to help significantly with memory retention. In cholesterol-fed gerbils shankhpushpi was observed to have significantly helped reduce serum cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides after ninety days. Shankhpushpi also demonstrated a thyroid suppressing effect when administered (at 0.4 mg/kg) to mice with hyperthyroidism. It has been studied for use as anticonvulsant with mixed results.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Shankhpushpi, Anxiolytic, Nootropic effects, Anticonvulsant.