Dwarf morning glory

Evolvulus alsinoides is one of four herbs called Shankhapushpi in Ayurveda, traditionally used as a brain tonic (Medhya Rasayana) for memory enhancement, anxiety, and as a sedative. Animal studies show nootropic effects comparable to piracetam - improved learning and memory, reversal of scopolamine-induced amnesia. May work via serotonin/GABA modulation and antioxidant effects. NO human clinical trials exist. Contains alkaloids (betaine, shankhapushpine, evolvine) and flavonoids.

Quick Answer

What it is

Key findings

Grade C: Memory & Learning Enhancement
Grade D: Neuroprotection
Grade D: Anxiety Reduction

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Dwarf morning glory

Quick Facts: Dwarf morning glory

Best Evidence:Grade C
Conditions Studied:2
Research Outcomes:4
Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)

Outcomes by grade:

2 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Memory & Learning Enhancement

In multiple rodent models (pole climbing, passive avoidance, active avoidance paradigms), ethanol extract of Evolvulus alsinoides significantly improved learning and memory, with effects comparable to piracetam. The extract also reversed scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats, suggesting cholinergic involvement.

moderate↑Improves

Neuroprotection

In animal and in vitro studies, Evolvulus alsinoides increased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) in brain tissue. May protect against neurotoxin-induced neuronal damage, but evidence is limited to preclinical models.

small↑Improves

Sedation / CNS Depression

In animal models, high doses of Evolvulus alsinoides produced sedative and CNS-depressant effects, consistent with traditional Ayurvedic use as a tranquilizer. Effects appear dose-dependent: nootropic at lower doses and sedative at higher doses.

small↑Worsens

Anxiety Reduction

In rodent elevated plus maze models, Evolvulus alsinoides extract demonstrated anxiolytic effects, possibly mediated via serotonin and GABA modulation. Supported by long traditional Ayurvedic use for anxiety and mental disorders, but no human data exists.

small↓Worsens

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

CAge-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)

1 outcome · 5 studies

↑Memory & Learning EnhancementImproves

DAnxiety Disorders (Other)

1 outcome · 2 studies

↓Anxiety ReductionWorsens

Research Citations (4)

Role of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) in neurological disorders: An umbrella review covering evidence from ethnopharmacology to clinical studies

Neurosci Biobehav Rev (2022)

PMID: 35870871

Protective mechanisms of nootropic herb Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) against dementia: network pharmacology and computational approach

Int J Mol Sci (2022)

PMID: 36199665

Nootropic, anxiolytic and CNS-depressant studies on different plant sources of shankhpushpi

Pharm Biol (2012)

PMID: 21851207

Effect of Evolvulus alsinoides Linn. on learning behavior and memory enhancement activity in rodents

Phytother Res (2010)

PMID: 19610035

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