Synonym C. microphyllus Sieb. C. prostratus Forsk.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat Throughout India, ascending to 2,000 m in the Himalayas.
Ayurvedic Shankhapushpi,
Shankhaahvaa, Kshirapushpi,
Maangalya Kusuma (white-
flowered). Blue-flowered var.,
Vishnukraanti, Vishnukraantaa,
Vishnugandhi is equated with
Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.
English Deer’s Foot.
Unani Sankhaahuli (blue-flowered)
170 Convolvulus scammonia Linn.
Siddha/Tamil Sivakraandi (whiteflowered), Vishnukraandi (blueflowered).
Action Plant—brain tonic, tranquilizer used in nervine disorders, mental aberration, anxiety neurosis, internal haemorrhages, spermatorrhoea. Also astringent, antidysenteric, antispasmodic, antiphlogistic, febrifuge, alterative. Flowers—styptic, used for uterine bleeding. Leaf—antiasthmatic, used in chronic bronchitis. Root— used in gastric and duodenal ulcers, uterine affections and for promoting fertility.
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India recommends the plant for epilepsy. The plant contains sankhpushpine alkaloids.
The alcoholic (50%) extract of the plant, when administered to rats (through gastric intubation at different intervals), has shown enhanced neuropeptide synthesis of the brain. It induces an increase in brain protein content and increases acquisition efficiency.
Evolvulus alsinoides contains pentatriacontane, triacontane and betasitosterol.
Shankhapushpi Syrup (a compound containing C. pluricaulis, Centella asiatica, Nardostachys jatamansi, Nepeta hindostana, Nepeta elliptica and Onosma bracteatum), when administered with phenytoin, a modern antiepileptic drug, reduced not only antiepileptic activity of phenytoin but also lowered plasma phenytoin levels.
Dosage Whole plant—3—6 g powder. (API Vol. III.)
Convolvulus scammonia Linn.
Family Convolvulaceae.
Habitat A native to the Mediterranean region.
