Summary
Evolvulus alsinoides is one of the 4 herbs that is given the common name of Shankhapushpi and appears to be a nootropic agent with comparable potency to Piracetam in otherwise healthy young rats. The mechanisms and exact bioactives underlying these benefits are not currently known but seem to be localized more in the ethanolic extract and are thought to be alkaloids. There is no human evidence on this plant at this moment in time.
Beyond the memory-enhancing properties, evolvulus appears to have general anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and neuroprotective properties in the brain after oral ingestion, and high doses may confer a sedative property. However, there is insufficient evidence to compare the efficacy of evolvulus against other herbs to determine whether a role for this herb exists or not. The lack of known bioactive components limits research on it.
Dosage Information
There is insufficient evidence in humans to recommend an ideal dose, but the estimated effective dose in rats — 200 mg per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg) — correlates to approximately 32 mg/kg of the ethanolic extract in humans and the following equivalents:
- 2,200 mg for a 150 lb person
- 2,900 mg for a 200 lb person
- 3,600 mg for a 250 lb person
These dosages for an ethanolic extract of Evolvulus alsinoides are only estimates based on the animal research.
