1. Clinical & Scientific Overview
Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus prostratus) (TIP-MED-000600, Reference Code [BOT-21]) is classified under
Medicinal Plants, Botanicals & Phytopharmaceuticals as a Pharmacognosy & Phytochemistry • Convolvulaceae (Dried Whole Plant).
Within the Indian regulatory and compendial framework, it is governed under Classical ASU Botanical (API Part I Vol II); regional botanical sources in India also include Evolvulus alsinoides and Clitoria ternatea..
Standardised Pharmacopoeial Crude Drug / Extract (IP / API Reference)
Official Plant Part: Dried Whole Plant | Marker Compounds: Coumarins (Scopoletin — API/IP marker), flavonoid kaempferol glycosides, and convolvine/shankhpushpine alkaloids
Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry & Botanical Standardisation
Accepted Botanical Binomial & Authority: Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. (syn. Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy)
Botanical Family: Convolvulaceae
Official Authenticated Plant Part: Dried Whole Plant
Major Phytochemical Constituents & IP/API Marker Compounds: Coumarins (Scopoletin — API/IP marker), flavonoid kaempferol glycosides, and convolvine/shankhpushpine alkaloids
Traditional / Classical Ayurvedic Context: One of the four classical Medhya Rasayanas of Charaka Samhita used for calming mental agitation and supporting sleep.
Modern Clinical Evidence Assessment (Clearly Distinguished from Traditional Use): Preclinical anxiolytic and GABAergic modulation; limited small human studies in mild academic stress.
Quality Control, Adulteration & Contaminant Limits: Authenticate via HPTLC/HPLC marker assay; screen for heavy metals (Lead <=10 ppm, Arsenic <=3 ppm, Cadmium <=0.3 ppm, Mercury <=1 ppm), microbial load, and aflatoxins B1/B2/G1/G2 per IP/API.
Indian Regulatory Classification (ASU vs Phytopharmaceutical vs FSSAI): Classical ASU Botanical (API Part I Vol II); regional botanical sources in India also include Evolvulus alsinoides and Clitoria ternatea.
3. Mechanism of Action & Pharmacodynamics
Major Phytochemical Constituents & Pharmacological Actions: Coumarins (Scopoletin — API/IP marker), flavonoid kaempferol glycosides, and convolvine/shankhpushpine alkaloids. Preclinical anxiolytic and GABAergic modulation; limited small human studies in mild academic stress.
4. Therapeutic Indications & Evidence-Supported Uses
- Traditional / Classical Context: One of the four classical Medhya Rasayanas of Charaka Samhita used for calming mental agitation and supporting sleep.
- Modern Clinical Evidence Assessment: Preclinical anxiolytic and GABAergic modulation; limited small human studies in mild academic stress.
5. Educational Dosage Context, Formulations & Administration
Educational Dosing & Regimen Summary: Pharmacognostic & Clinical Evidence Summary: Preclinical anxiolytic and GABAergic modulation; limited small human studies in mild academic stress.
Administration & Meal Timing: Authenticated Plant Part Used: Dried Whole Plant. IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTION: Convolvulus pluricaulis syrup was shown in pharmacokinetic studies to reduce plasma Phenytoin levels by ~50% (likely via hepatic enzyme induction or reduced absorption), risking breakthrough seizures — strictly avoid co-administration with phenytoin!
6. Pharmacokinetics, Metabolism & Renal/Hepatic Adjustment
Complex multicomponent phytoconstituent disposition involving intestinal deglycosylation by gut microbiota, hepatic Phase II glucuronidation/sulfation, and potential modulation of CYP450 and P-gp efflux pumps.
Intestinal microbial hydrolysis and hepatic Phase I/II biotransformation of secondary metabolites.
Avoid unstandardised herbal extracts in Stage 3–5 Chronic Kidney Disease (risk of hyperkalaemia or nephrotoxic adulterants).
Avoid high-dose concentrated botanical extracts in pre-existing hepatic disease; discontinue immediately if jaundice or transaminase elevation occurs.
7. Contraindications, Precautions & High-Risk Warnings
- Hypersensitivity to Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. (syn. Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy) or other members of the Convolvulaceae family
- IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTION: Convolvulus pluricaulis syrup was shown in pharmacokinetic studies to reduce plasma Phenytoin levels by ~50% (likely via hepatic enzyme induction or reduced absorption), risking breakthrough seizures — strictly avoid co-administration with phenytoin!
Key Clinical Precautions: IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTION: Convolvulus pluricaulis syrup was shown in pharmacokinetic studies to reduce plasma Phenytoin levels by ~50% (likely via hepatic enzyme induction or reduced absorption), risking breakthrough seizures — strictly avoid co-administration with phenytoin!
8. Adverse Effects Profile
- IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTION: Convolvulus pluricaulis syrup was shown in pharmacokinetic studies to reduce plasma Phenytoin levels by ~50% (likely via hepatic enzyme induction or reduced absorption), risking breakthrough seizures — strictly avoid co-administration with phenytoin!
- IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTION: Convolvulus pluricaulis syrup was shown in pharmacokinetic studies to reduce plasma Phenytoin levels by ~50% (likely via hepatic enzyme induction or reduced absorption), risking breakthrough seizures — strictly avoid co-administration with phenytoin!
9. Major Drug–Drug, Drug–Food & Drug–Herb Interactions
- IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTION: Convolvulus pluricaulis syrup was shown in pharmacokinetic studies to reduce plasma Phenytoin levels by ~50% (likely via hepatic enzyme induction or reduced absorption), risking breakthrough seizures — strictly avoid co-administration with phenytoin!
10. Clinical Monitoring, Patient Counselling & Storage
Clinical & Laboratory Monitoring: Verify botanical binomial authenticity (exclude adulterants/substitutes), HPTLC marker content, heavy metal limits (Pb, As, Cd, Hg), aflatoxins, and pesticide residues per IP/API standards.
Pharmacist Patient Counselling Points:
- Natural or herbal origin does NOT automatically mean risk-free; always disclose botanical supplements to your doctor and pharmacist.
- IMPORTANT DRUG INTERACTION: Convolvulus pluricaulis syrup was shown in pharmacokinetic studies to reduce plasma Phenytoin levels by ~50% (likely via hepatic enzyme induction or reduced absorption), risking breakthrough seizures — strictly avoid co-administration with phenytoin!
- Never discontinue prescribed allopathic chronic disease medicines (antihypertensives, antidiabetics, anticonvulsants, or antivirals) in favour of unverified herbal products.
Storage, Stability & Dispensing Safeguards: Store dried botanical material and extracts in airtight, light-resistant containers below 25°C protected from humidity and fungal/aflatoxin contamination.
11. Visual Pharmacology & Mechanism Diagram (svg-v339-01-adme-12-step-journey)
12. Authoritative References, Regulatory Sources & Editorial Disclaimer
Primary Compendial & Guideline Reference: Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP — Herbs and Herbal Products Addendum); Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API — Ministry of AYUSH); CDSCO Rule 122E Phytopharmaceutical Drug Guidelines.
Official Verification Portals: Ministry of AYUSH — Pharmacopoeia Commission for Indian Medicine & Homoeopathy (PCIM&H) • Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) — Herbal Monographs • CDSCO — Drugs and Cosmetics Rules (ASU & Phytopharmaceuticals)
Last Medically & Pharmaceutically Reviewed: 2026-11-10 • Verification Status: VERIFIED_EDUCATIONAL_CONTENT
Educational & Clinical Disclaimer: This reference profile is published solely for pharmacy education, academic study, and professional clinical reference. It does not substitute for patient-specific clinical judgement, qualified specialist oncology/medical supervision, or official CDSCO/IP prescribing information. Never self-medicate with prescription, Schedule H/H1/X, NDPS, or oncology medicines.