Scribing Nature's Remedies: A Literary Exploration of Shankhpushpi's Role in Traditional Medicine and Its Cultural Significance

 Corresponding author: Prachi Padwal Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0. Scribing Nature’s Remedies: A Literary Exploration of Shankhpushpi’s Role in Traditional Medicine and Its Cultural Significance Prachi Padwal 1, *, Shraddha Waman 2, Shreya Sarode 2, Sabbatarian Ansari 2 and Shubham Gadge 1 1 Assistant Professor, Department of Quality Assurance, Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe, Maharashtra, India. 2 Student, Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe, Maharashtra, India. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(02), 059-067 Publication history: Received on 21 September 2025; revised on 01 November 2025; accepted on 03 November 2025 Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjbphs.2025.24.2.0933 Abstract The Convolvulaceae family includes Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Clericalism). Shankhpushpi plants are rich in carbohydrates like L-monomethylate, malt sugar (maltose), sucrose, and starch. They also contain proteins, α-amino [alpha-amino] carboxylic acid, and several alkaloids such as C16H21NO4 (convolving), C17H23NO4 (convoluting), C17H21NO5 (confine), C33H40N2O9 (submissive), C16H21NO5 (convolute), congocidine, phyllaries, β-sitosterol, Convoking, and consolidate. Additionally, there are fatty acids, waxes, hydrocarbons, and other biochemicals that make it suitable for treating human diseases. The whole Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Clericalism) plant has various pharmacological properties, such as antidepressant and antidiabetic effects, plus it influences memory and learning. It affects the thyroid gland, acts on the cardiovascular system, and shows anticonvulsant, antiulcer, and anticatatonic activities. It also exhibits insecticidal, antifungal, antibacterial, anthelminthic, anti-hyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects on the reproductive system. This review critically examines the synonyms, taxonomy, description, identity, purity, strength, chemical constituents, pharmaceutical activities, and applications of Shankhpushpi. Keywords: Shankhpushpi; Chemical Ingredients; Pharmacological Actions; Synonyms; Taxonomy; Description; Identity; Purity; Strength 1. Introduction Convolvulus Clericalism, part of the Convolvulaceae family, is also known as Shankhpushpi. or Aparajit in Indian dialects. Shankhpushpi is a highly prized plant because of its unique scent and therapeutic benefits. The Shankhpushpi flower resembles a marine shell called a "Shankh". The fresh Shankhpushpi plant produces a distinctive odor and pale yellow oil through steam distillation. (Ram P. Rastogi, 2011) (Asolkar, 2017) (Anonymous, The Wealth of India. Raw Materials Vol. III: Ca-Ci, 1997) It's frequently referred to as morning glory. (Chopra, Chopra, & Varma, 1969) It is widely found and grows in northern India, Punjab, Bihar, and Chhota Nagpur (Ghani NM, 1921) (Multani HC). The methanolic extract from the entire plant reduces total serum cholesterol, phosphatide, and free fatty acids. It also has calming effects. (Debjit Bhowmik) White to light pinkish flowers is produced by autumn herb sessions. (Chopra P. D., 1970) Shankhpushpi is regarded as a highly valuable herb in Ayurveda. It enhances behavior and memory learning. (A. K. Gupta, 2005) Traditionally, Shankhpushpi roots treat children's fever. The leaves help with asthma and chronic bronchitis. The plant's oil promotes hair growth. (Rai, 1987) And also contributes to skin nourishment and attractiveness. The herb's antifungal, antibacterial, antidepressant, antiulcer, antistress, antipyretic, anthelmintic, and helpfulness in reducing the symptoms of an overactive thyroid are all discussed in some research on it (Multani HC). It is also used as a brain tonic, alternative, and tonic to improve mental alertness. It can also help with weakness, sleeplessness, exhaustion, low energy, and gastric mucosa ulcers. (Bhowmik, 2012) World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(02), 059-067 60 The Shankhpushpi plant has been shown in pharmacological investigations to have calming and blood pressurelowering properties. Clinical research has indicated positive outcomes for individuals with anxiety neurosis. The Shankhpushpi plant is non-toxic and doesn't cause any negative side effects. On the other hand, it can cause weight gain in addition to making one feel powerful, healthy, and energized. Synonyms: (Bhowmik, 2012) (Anonymous, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Part 1, Volume X), 2022) Table 1 Shankhpushpi synonyms 1.1. Taxonomy Table 2 Taxonomy of Shankhpushpi World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(02), 059-067 61 Description: (Anonymous, The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (Part 1, Volume X), 2022) Shankhpushpi's stem is light green, thin, cylindrical, and has clear, hairy internodes and nodes that are 0.1 cm or less thick. Microscopy of the stem reveals a single-layered, thickly cuticle epidermis with unicellular hairs in some areas. The cortex is split into two zones, with 1-2 lower parenchymatous layers and 2-3 higher collenchyma Tous layers, all of which have round to oval, elongated shapes. Lower and upper leaf midribs appear convex and concave. Vascular bundles contain four to five layers of parenchyma with typical phloem and xylem parts. The lamina has two layers: the epidermis and unicellular hairs on both surfaces. There are a few bicollateral vascular bundles in the spongy parenchyma and 20 to 25 vein islets per square millimeter. The stomatal count on the lower surface ranges from 185 to 247 and on the upper surface from 202 to 238 per square millimeter. The stomatal index for the lower surface is between 16.9 and 19.8, while for the upper surface it is between 13.8 and 17.0. The leaves are short petiolate, linear-lanceolate, acute, and hairy on both sides. They are light green, measuring 0.5 to 2 cm long and 0.1 to 0.5 cm wide. The sepals are thin and linear-lanceolate, with sparse hairs. The corolla is short and discoid. There are five free stamens, which are epipetalous and alternate with the petals, inserted deep in the corolla tube. The ovary is superior and has two carpels. The flowers can be white or pinkish and are either sessile or sub-sessile in the leaf axis, found alone or in pairs. The seeds and roots are brown and yellowish-brown. The fruits are capsuled, rectangular, and globose, with a pale brown, leathery pericarp. The roots are typically cylindrical, ribbed, and branching, with some rough stem nodules. They measure 1 to 5 cm long and 0.1 to 0.4 cm thick, appearing yellowish-brown to light brown. The seeds are minutely pubescent. When viewed under a microscope, the roots look circular and consist of 10 to 15 layers made up of main phloem and cork. 1.2. Strength, Identity, and Purity Table 3 Shankhpushpi's Identities, Purity, and Strength Foreign content No more than 2%. Ash content overall No more than 17%. Ash that is insoluble in acid No more than 8%. Extractive solubility in alcohol At least 6%. Extractive that dissolves in water At least 10%. 2. Chemical constituents Shankhpushpi's key chemical components include starch, sugar, malt sugar (maltose), L-mannomethylose, and carbohydrates. It also has proteins, α-amino [alpha-amino] carboxylic acid, and several alkaloids: C16H21NO4 (convolvine), C17H23NO4 (convolamine), C17H21NO5 (confoline), C33H40N2O9 (Subhirsine), C16H21NO5 (Convoline), convolidine, phyllabine, β-sitosterol, Convosine, subhirsine, and convolvidine. Additionally, it contains other biochemicals like scopoletin, glacial acetic acid, three coumarins, tropane alkaloids, kaempferol, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and straight chain hydrocarbons such as hextriacontane, 20-oxodotriacontanol, tetratriacontanoic acid, and 29-oxodotriacontanol. Speedwheel alcoholic extract produces: Di-oh-cinnamic acid, betastosterol-glucos steroid of microphyllic acid, and kaempferol. The plant has also produced hydroxy cinnamic acid, octacosanol tetracosane, glucose, and saccharose. (Ram P. Rastogi, 2011) (Sethiya NJ, 2010) (Dandekar, 2019) World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(02), 059-067 62 Table 4 Physical characteristics 3. Pharmacological activity The following is a detailed description of Shankhpushpi's pharmacological activities Figure 1 Pharmacological activity of Shankhpushpi World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(02), 059-067 63 3.1. Antidepressant properties One medication used as an antidepressant and to induce a stress-free state in the brain is shankhpushpi. (Dinesh Dhingra, 2007) 3.2. Antidiabetic activity Shankhpushpi's alcoholic extract has an effective antidiabetic effect in the human body and is utilized to treat hyperglycemia (in vitro). (Sethiya NJ, Review on Ethnomedicinal Uses and Phytomorphology of Memory, 2010) 3.3. Effect on Memory and Learning: Simple memory tests, including the pole-climbing apparatus, passive avoidance paradigm, and active avoidance paradigm tests, clearly showed an improvement in memory after administering Shankhpushpi extracts. The effects of Shankhpushpi's ethanolic extract, ethyl acetate, and aqueous fractions on memory were evaluated. Animals in different groups received two dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg by mouth of ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of the ethanolic extract. Both dosages of Shankhpushpi extracts significantly improved rats' memory and learning. (Dinesh Dhingra, 2007) (Nahata A, 2009) 3.4. Antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, and anthelmintic activities Using Pilosa oblique walker as a test insect, the leaf disc method of feeding deterrent was used to bioassay the entire plant. This plant contained tetra triacontanoic acid for the first time. Moreover, 29-oxodotriacontanol, a new chemical isolated from the chloroform fraction of the plant, showed strong antifeedant properties in laboratory tests. The crude neem and azadirachtin extracts served as references. At a concentration of 8000 ppm, the novel chemical 29oxodotriacontanol demonstrated 85.74% inhibition. (Bhakuni RS, 1996) 3.5. Shankhpushpi's alcoholic extract shown strong antigun Antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, insecticidal, and anthelmintic activities Using Pilosa oblique walker as a test insect, the leaf disc method of feeding deterrent was used to bioassay the entire plant. Tetra triacontanoic acid was discovered in this plant for the first time, while 29-oxodotriacontanol, a new chemical that was isolated from the chloroform fraction of this plant, had strong antifeedant properties in laboratory tests. The crude neem and azadirachtin extracts were used as reference. At a concentration of 8000 ppm, a novel chemical called 29-oxodotriacontanol demonstrated 85.74% inhibition. (Bhakuni RS, 1996) Shankhpushpi's alcoholic extract shown strong antifungal properties. (Gupta RC, 1974) 3.6. Anticonvulsant activity The water-soluble part of an alcoholic extract counteracted electrically induced convulsive seizures and tremoringinduced tremors, but it had no effect on the escape response. It also eliminated spontaneous motor activity and the fighting reflex. (Sharma VN, 1965) The mice given methanolic extracts of the stem callus, leaf callus, and entire plant (200 mg/kg oral) demonstrated notable protection against tonic convulsions brought on by trans corneal electroshock; this protection was comparable to that of the common medication phenytoin. (Ahmad S, 2007) It has also been demonstrated to have strong anticonvulsant properties. (SP, 1981) 3.7. Anticatatonic and antiulcer properties Shankhpushpi generated glycoprotein and mucosal cell lifetime, two mucosal defense factors. The antiulcerogenic impact was enhanced by these protective elements. (Sairam K, 2001) 3.8. Effect on the thyroid gland When Shankhpushpi root extract (0.4 mg/kg.) was given to mice with L-thyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism, it reduced the serum levels of T3 and inhibited hepatic 5-D activity. The main way the plant extract lowered thyroid activity was by decreasing the conversion of T4 to T3. (Sethiya NJ, Review on Ethnomedicinal Uses and Phytomorphology of Memory, 2010) (Panda S, 2001) World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(02), 059-067 64 3.9. Cardiovascular activities The plant's total water-soluble fraction blocked the frog heart muscle and caused significant and lasting low blood pressure in dogs. (Rakhit S, 1958) (Chaturvedi M, 1997) The myocardium of mammals and amphibians was negatively affected by an ethanolic extract of the entire plant. It also had relaxing effects on smooth muscles. (Sharma VN, 1965) 3.10. Hypo-lipidemia In cases of hyperlipidemia, ethanolic extract from the entire Shankhpushpi plant decreased lipid levels. Shankhpushpi's ethanolic extract dramatically lowered the body's levels of phospholipids, serum cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins after ninety days. (Chaturvedi M, 1997) 3.11. Antioxidant activity The ethanolic or methanolic extract of the whole Shankhpushpi plant has antioxidant properties. (Verma S, 2010) (Parihar M, 2003) 3.12. Neuroprotective action Shankhpushpi's aqueous extract shown strong neuroprotective effects by inhibiting ACHE and promoting antioxidant activity. (Bihaqi SW, 2011) 3.13. Effects on immunomodulation and the reproductive system Preventing excessive menstruation is possible with the full Shankhpushpi plant. Abscesses can be cured with the use of Shankhpushpi's fine paste. (Singh MP, 2005) 4. Application of Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluralism) • Hematemesis and insanity are treated with the Shankhpushpi plant extract. (Shah Y, 2000) • Shankhpushpi leaves treat asthma and bronchitis. (Shah Y, 2000) • Shankhpushpi's entire plant is used to produce ethanol, which helps treat oxidation and high lipid levels. Shankhpushpi is a medication used as a brain tonic and as an antidepressant to create a stress-free condition in the brain that enhances memory. • An effective antidiabetic action is produced in the human body by the alcoholic extract of Shankhpushpi, which is utilized to treat hyperglycemia (in vitro). • Shankhpushpi root is utilized to cure infantile fever. (Shah Y, 2000) • The alcoholic or ethanolic extract of the Shankhpushpi herb reduces non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) levels. These acids are the main reason for deaths related to cardiac arrest. (Shah Y, 2000) • The Shankhpushpi herb is also used to cure epilepsy in Ayurveda. (Shah Y, 2000) • Shankhpushpi are utilized to nourish all of the skin's layers and improve the appearance of skin. • The entire Shankhpushpi plant is useful in medicine. (Gupta AK, 2005) (A., 1990) • Using Shankhpushpi extract to lower blood cholesterol levels, including triglycerides, phospholipids, and fatty acids. (Gupta AK, 2005) (A., 1990) • The most important herbal compounds in Shankhpushpi are used to treat various illnesses and conditions. These include stress, anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and hypotension. • Shankhpushpi promotes weight gain and health by revitalizing the body as a whole. [49, 50] 5. Conclusion Shankhpushpi shows properties that help with ulcers, muscle spasms, diabetes, infections, fungi, bacteria, oxidation, and seizures. It also offers benefits for the heart, immune system, and brain, among others. This overview covers the plant’s profile, along with its pharmacognosy, pharmacology, and phytochemistry. In addition to proteins and the alkaloids C16H21NO4 (convolving), C17H23NO4 (convoluting), C17H21NO5 (confine), C33H40N2O9 (Subhi sine), C16H21NO5 (Consolini), phyllaries, β-sitosterol, sterol flavonoids, glycosides, gums, and mucilage compounds, it also includes α-amino carboxylic acid. World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2025, 24(02), 059-067 65 Compliance with ethical standards Acknowledgments The author expresses sincere gratitude to Ms. Prachi Padwal, Assistant Professor, Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe for valuable guidance and insightful suggestions during the preparation of this review, “Scribing Nature’s Remedies: A Literary Exploration of Shankhpushpi’s Role in Traditional Medicine and Its Cultural Significance.” Appreciation is also extended to the Department of Pharmaceutics, Samarth Institute of Pharmacy, Belhe, for academic support and access to reference materials. 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