Shankapushpi ~ Canscora decussata/Evolvulus alsinoides/Convolvolus pluricalis

Shankapushpi

Latin name: Canscora decussata/Evolvulus alsinoides/Convolvolus pluricalis

Family: Convolvulaceae

Part used: entire plant, juice

Habitat: subtropical regions of the world

Main constituents: alkaloids (shankapushpine, evolvine, betaine), essential oils

Energetics: bitter, pungent, astringent, sweet

Main herbal actions: rejuvenative to nervous tissue

Minor herbal actions: antiulcer, anticatatonic, bitter tonic, febrifuge, vermifuge

Main medicinal uses: disorders of the nervous system, pain, anxiety, convulsions, slow digestion, water retention, borborygmus (bowel gurgling), dysentery, insomnia

Minor medicinal uses: bleeding, infertility, opiate addiction

Preparations: powder: 2-10g qd; 1:5 tincture: 3-10ml qd

Contraindications: none known

Toxicity: none known

Sources: http://medind.nic.in/imvw/imvw12041.html; http://www.himalayahealthcare.com/herbfinder/h_evolvulus.htm