Convolvulus pluricalis as a Nootropic

Convolvulus pluricaulis may promote various nootropic effects according to animal studies. 

Convolvulus pluricaulis is an Indian herb said to promote a variety of medicinal benefits. It may specifically support several nootropic effects:

• Learning enhancement. Convolvulus pluricaulis has been shown to improve memory and learning in animals.
• Neuroprotection. The herb may attenuate several negative effects of neurotoxicity.
• Anxiolytic activity. Convolvulus pluricaulis may reduce stress and anxiety.

Overview

Home to India and Myanmar, Convolvulus pluricaulis is a bitter-tasting perennial herb long believed to promote good mental health and overall well-being. It is classified in the Convolvulaceae family along with such popular plants as binding weed and morning glory. It is especially valued for its possible cognitive enhancing capacity in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Its impact on the cerebral system has led herbal healers and proponents of organic supplementation to harp on its potential nootropic effects. Among its various proposed health benefits include¹:

• Improving memory and concentration
• Facilitating sleep
• Reducing stress
• Diminishing convulsions
• Ameliorating mood disorders

How Convolvulus Pluricaulis Might Help the Brain

Reducing the expression of β-amyloid proteins

One of the chief causes of memory loss, especially that characteristic of Alzheimer’s, is a type of neurodegeneration triggered by the accumulation of proteins known as β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain’s memory center — the hippocampus. Research has discovered that Convolvulus pluricaulis seems to significantly reduce the presence of β-amyloid (Aβ) proteins in the hippocampus of rats, which may accordingly benefit learning and memory.³

Supporting antioxidation

Convolvulus pluricaulis has demonstrated antioxidant activity that is believed to alleviate damage to the key neurons in the brain caused by oxidative stress.⁴

Convolvulus Pluricaulis Nootropic Benefits & Uses

Convolvulus pluricaulis use has mostly been limited to practitioners of Ayurveda, who favor a selection of its potential nootropic effects, including:

• Enhancing memory and learning
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Improving mood
• Protecting against neurotoxicity, particularly Huntington’s-like symptoms

Early animal research has corroborated these brain health benefits to some degree, but these effects have yet to be demonstrated in humans. Despite limited backing, the shank pushpi herb has also commonly been used to facilitate sound sleep, alleviate mental fatigue, and even treat neurosis.⁵

Research

Animal Research

Animal studies have found that Convolvulus pluricaulis may improve memory, learning, and mood in mice.

Convolvulus pluricaulis may increase learning and memory functions in aged mice

In this controlled investigation, mice were given a control or 200 mg of A. racemosus or Convolvulus pluricaulis per kg of bodyweight for 7 days. Administration of both A. racemosus and C. pluricaulis were found to significantly increase memory retention and decrease latency during retention tests. Examinations of the mice hippocampus also demonstrated an increase in the learning and memory function regions (CA3).

• The researchers concluded that “learning and memory functions showed dose dependent increase… with C. pluracaulis treatment.”⁶

Convolvulus pluricaulis may significantly improve learning and promote memory enhancement in rats

In this controlled investigation, rats were administered a control or 100 or 200 mg of a Convolvulus pluricaulis (CP) extract. Both doses were found to significantly improve learning and promote memory-enhancing effects in the rats as well as reverse their induced amnesia.

• The researchers concluded that “the extracts of CP significantly improved learning and memory in rats.”⁷

Convolvulus pluricaulis may alleviate neurotoxicity in rats

In this controlled investigation, Convolvulus pluricaulis at 150 mg per kg bodyweight was administered every day for 3 months to rats with aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity. The supplement was found to reduce the activity of harmful enzymes, prevent the accumulation of lipid and protein damage, protect nerves from toxicity, and sustain antioxidant compounds.

• The researchers concluded that “Convolvulus pluricaulis possesses neuroprotective potential, thus validating its use in alleviating toxic effects.”⁸

Convolvulus pluricaulis may attenuate memory loss

In this investigation, rats with 3-nitropropionic acid induced neurotoxicity were given 100 or 200 mg per kg bodyweight of a Convolvulus pluricaulis extract (CPE), 15 or 30 mg/kg of ethyl acetate (EAE), 25 or 50 mg/kg of butanol (BE), or 50 or 100 mg/kg of an aqueous extract every day for 20 days. The neurotoxicity triggered symptoms similar to Huntington’s, including memory loss, that were significantly attenuated by the higher doses of CPE, EAE, and BE.

• The researchers concluded that “CPE has a protective action against 3-NP-induced neurotoxicity.”⁹

Convolvulus pluricaulis may have neuropharmacological activity in mice

In this controlled investigation, either Convolvulus pluricaulis or a control was administered to albino mice. Compared to the control, the plant extract showed promising results in improving animal behavior, including locomotor, tremor, and anxiolytic activity.

• The researchers concluded that “this plant exhibits neuropharmacological activity in tested animals.”¹⁰

Convolvulus pluricaulis may have anti-depressant activity

In this study, albino mice were administered petroleum ether (25, 50 mg/kg), ethyl acetate (25, 50, 100 mg/kg), and chloroform (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) fractions of a Convolvulus pluricaulis extract every day for 10 days. Mice taking either dose of the chloroform fraction of the herb moved more and demonstrated significantly reduced depressive activity. The effect was comparable to that of the anti-depressant drugs imipramine and fluoxetine.

• The researchers concluded that “extract of Convolvulus pluricaulis elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect in mice by interaction with the adrenergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic systems.”¹¹

Nootropic Dosage

• No successful clinical research studies have identified effective dosage for Convolvulus pluricaulis.
• Typical supplements range from 500 mg – 6 g of Convolvulus pluricaulis per serving standardized to 4% alkaloids.

Available Forms

• Plant extract in vegetarian capsules
• Whole plant or root powder to be added to water or milk