Convolvulus Pluricaulis Choisy Extract
Also known as: Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy, Shankhpushpi, Indian bindweed, Convolvulus pluricaulis
Overview
Convolvulus pluricaulis, commonly known as Shankhpushpi, is a perennial herb deeply rooted in traditional Indian Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It is primarily recognized for its potential in addressing neurological and metabolic disorders. Historically, it has been utilized for cognitive enhancement, anxiety reduction, anti-convulsant properties, and metabolic regulation. The plant is rich in various bioactive phytochemicals, including coumarins, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While research on C. pluricaulis spans pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology, the maturity level of evidence is moderate, with most findings derived from preclinical or animal studies. High-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are limited, indicating a need for further clinical validation to fully understand its efficacy and safety in humans.
Benefits
Convolvulus pluricaulis exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and in vitro studies. It shows significant neuroprotective and cognitive effects, traditionally used for epilepsy, anxiety, and memory enhancement. Animal studies demonstrate anti-convulsant activity, providing substantial protection against chemically induced seizures at doses around 500 mg/kg. In terms of metabolic health, recent in vitro research suggests that extracts promote adipocyte differentiation via PPARγ activation and GLUT-4 upregulation, indicating potential for improving glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which could support anti-diabetic effects. Animal studies have also shown significant improvements in lipid profiles, including reductions in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, alongside increases in HDL cholesterol and glutathione levels at 400 mg/kg, comparable to fenofibrate. Furthermore, the herb possesses anti-inflammatory properties, downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines linked to insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Other reported benefits in animal models include anti-ulcerogenic and thyroid regulation effects. While these findings are promising, the strength of evidence is largely preclinical, necessitating more rigorous human clinical trials to confirm these benefits.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Convolvulus pluricaulis are attributed to its diverse phytochemical composition. Its neuropharmacological effects, including anti-convulsant activity, are likely mediated by coumarins and triterpenoids, which influence central nervous system (CNS) neurotransmission and seizure thresholds. Functional groups like quinoline and benzothiazines within its phytoconstituents may also contribute to these effects. For metabolic regulation, the extract works by activating the nuclear receptor PPARγ and increasing GLUT-4 expression, which enhances adipocyte differentiation and glucose uptake, thereby improving insulin sensitivity. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contribute to systemic benefits by reducing oxidative stress markers (e.g., MDA) and inflammatory cytokines (e.g., Rantes, MCP-1), supporting both metabolic and neuroprotective outcomes. The exact absorption and bioavailability of its bioactive compounds are not yet well characterized, and these factors may vary depending on the extraction method and plant part used.
Side effects
Convolvulus pluricaulis extracts have generally demonstrated a good safety profile in animal studies, with no significant toxicity reported at effective doses. However, due to a lack of rigorous human clinical trials, common side effects in humans are not well documented. The current literature does not report any significant drug interactions or contraindications. Despite the promising animal safety data, caution is advised for specific populations, particularly pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there is insufficient safety data to recommend its use in these groups. As with any herbal supplement, individual sensitivities may vary, and it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications. Comprehensive safety warnings for human use are limited by the current research landscape.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Convolvulus pluricaulis due to the limited number of clinical trials. Effective doses observed in animal studies range from 100 mg/kg (for minimal effects) to 500 mg/kg (for significant effects), depending on the specific endpoint being studied. It is important to note that the extract form and the standardization of active constituents can vary significantly, which directly impacts the effective dose and overall efficacy. The optimal timing and duration of administration required to achieve clinical effects in humans also remain undefined. Without human clinical data, it is challenging to translate animal dosages to safe and effective human equivalents. Therefore, any use of C. pluricaulis should be approached with caution, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially given the variability in commercial preparations and the lack of established safety thresholds for human consumption.
FAQs
Is Convolvulus pluricaulis safe for human consumption?
Animal studies suggest a good safety profile at effective doses, but human safety data are insufficient due to a lack of clinical trials. Caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Does it improve memory or help with seizures?
Preclinical evidence supports anti-convulsant and neuroprotective effects, suggesting potential for memory improvement and seizure management. However, human randomized controlled trials are currently lacking to confirm these benefits.
Can Convolvulus pluricaulis help with diabetes?
In vitro and animal data indicate potential benefits on glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, suggesting anti-diabetic effects. This warrants further clinical investigation in humans.
How long does it take to see effects from Convolvulus pluricaulis?
Animal studies typically involve repeated dosing over days to weeks to observe effects. The timeline for human clinical effects is currently unknown due to insufficient human research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3868798/ – This systematic review of preclinical studies summarizes the pharmacological properties of Convolvulus pluricaulis, including its CNS, metabolic, and anti-ulcer effects. It highlights the need for further research, noting that most evidence is from animal models and human RCTs are absent.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37049568/ – This in vitro study used a cell model (3T3-L1 adipocytes) to demonstrate that Convolvulus pluricaulis promotes PPARγ-mediated adipocyte differentiation and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest its potential as an anti-diabetic agent, though the study is limited to in vitro data.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jphp.13004 – This animal RCT on mice showed that Convolvulus pluricaulis at 400 mg/kg significantly improved lipid profiles and exhibited antioxidant effects, comparable to fenofibrate. While promising, the study is limited to an animal model, and dose translation to humans is unclear.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.00171/full – This review of pharmacological studies confirms the anti-convulsant activity of Convolvulus pluricaulis in animal models and identifies responsible phytochemicals. It underscores the lack of human trials, indicating a significant research gap in clinical validation.