Shankhpushpi Benefits, Dosage and Side Effects

Shankhpushpi has been used traditionally to aid the process of digestion in the body.  The extracts obtained from all the parts of the plant also help in avoiding fluid retention in the body. Additionally, shankhpushpi is considered to be a sovereign remedy to treat bowel complaints, particularly dysentery.

Read more: How to improve digestion

Shankhpushpi possesses anti-bacterial properties as evidenced by a recent study. In the study, the ethanolic extract of the herb was found to have prominent anti-bacterial activity against bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. Shankhpushpi, when taken in appropriate doses, can help prevent diseases such as diarrhoea, caused by these bacteria. 

Several bioactive compounds in the plant such as tannins, saponins, coumarin, flavonoids, phenol, and triterpenoids are responsible for activity against the pathogenic bacteria. The antibacterial property of the herb is also found to be useful for the treatment of wounds.

Read more: Bacterial infections symptoms

A recent study suggested that shankhpushpi has anti-oxidant properties. The extracts obtained from the herb were found to possess the capacity to neutralise free radicals (which causes damage to various organs of the body).

Antioxidants help in preventing or delaying damage to cells and are required to maintain proper metabolism in the body. Bioactive compounds such as flavonoids present in the herb are indicated to be responsible for its strong antioxidant property. 

Read more: Antioxidant foods

Use of shankhpushpi has also been found to be beneficial for the heart. A recent study demonstrated that the ethanolic extract of the herb is helpful in reducing the levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the body, which is one of the main causes of death due to cardiac arrest. The NEFA levels are primarily reduced by the activity of the bioactive compound, kaempferol, a flavonoid found in the shankhpushpi plant, suggesting its role in maintaining cardiac health.

Read more: Heart disease treatment

A prominent use of shankhpushpi is in improving skin health. The herb can be used as an alternative or tonic for the skin. Studies have found that it penetrates deep into the skin and nourishes all the skin layers. This imparts a healthy glow to the skin.

Read more: How to get glowing skin

Moreover, skin conditions such as acne can also be treated by the use of this herb. Shankhpushpi is used in the form of a mixture with cumin and milk for achieving its skin benefits.

One of the prominent use of shankhpushpi is for the improvement of brain power. It is mainly used as a brain tonic and stimulator. Several bioactive compounds present in the herb helps in the prevention of loss of memory. The plant is also said to have neuroprotective (protects the brain) properties. It is regarded as a prominent natural medicine that helps in enhancing memory.

Read more: Home remedies to improve memory

In India, since ancient times, people of all age groups have made use of this herb. It functions as a stimulant for the brain by improving brain capacity and ability. The natural chemical composition of the herb relieves tension in the brain and helps it to calm down. Convolvulus pluricaulis, therefore, is also used as a tranquillizer in people suffering from insomnia.

Read more: How to fall asleep

Convolvulus pluricaulis has been found to be effective against disorders such as anxiety and depression. Evidence from several studies suggests that the herb helps to induce a feeling of peace and calm. It also promotes good sleep and brings about relief in mental fatigue. Clinical studies also suggest the benefits of this herb to patients suffering from anxiety disorders.

However, if you have anxiety, it is best to talk to an experienced healthcare practitioner before using shankhpushpi.

Read more: Homeopathic treatment for anxiety

The herb Convolvulus pluricaulis is highly effective against ulcers. The juice of the whole plant shows prominent activity against peptic ulcers. Studies have found that the anti-ulcer activity of the herb is due to activation of certain mucosal defensive factors like secretion of mucin.

Read more: Stomach ulcers diet

A study conducted in 2017 suggested that Convolvulus pluricaulis possess anti-thyroid property. The root extract of the herb was found to be particularly beneficial for its activity against hyperthyroidism. The extract of the plant inhibits thyroid function by reducing the levels of thyroid hormones produced under stress conditions. The herb also acts strongly on certain enzymes produced by the liver, which, in turn, helps in improving the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Read more: Thyroid function test

A research study indicated that shankhpushpi extract decreases cholesterol level in the blood. Ethanolic extracts of the plant have especially been proven to be beneficial in lowering triglycerides, phospholipids and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and removing certain types of fatty acids that are harmful to the body.

Read more: High cholesterol symptoms

Convolvulus pluricaulis is a widely used medicine for the management of neurodegenerative diseases, that is, the diseases like Alzheimer’s, epilepsy and dementia that are responsible for the destruction of cells in the nervous system. 

Studies have found that the extracts from the whole shankhpushpi plant were helpful in reducing the spontaneous activity of neurons, which helped in reducing episodes of seizures.

Read more: How to increase brain power

One of the most common diseases treated by the use of Convolvulus pluricaulis is hypertension. The herb has been found to control the production of the stress hormones in the body like adrenaline and cortisol that are responsible for raising blood pressure. It thus helps in reducing anxiety and stress. In fact, the herb is prominently used in rejuvenation therapies (promotes longevity).

Read more: Right time to check blood pressure