Shankhapushpi or Convolvulus pluricaulis is an indigenous plant commonly mentioned in Ayurveda, an ancient system of Indian medicine, as a rasayana which is mainly advocated for use in mental stimulation and rejuvenation therapy. Little human research has been published in the Western medical literature regarding shankhapushpi . One study shows shankhapushpi to have anti-ulcer effects due to augmentation of mucosal defensive factors like mucin secretion and glycoproteins. Another study showed shankhapushpi may be helpful in improving symptoms of hyperthyroidism by reducing the activity of a liver enzyme known as hepatic 5'-monodeiodinase (5'-DI).

Caution
During the course of routine plasma drug level monitoring an unexpected loss of seizure control and reduction in plasma phenytoin levels was noticed in two patients who were also taking Shankhapushpi. The clinical combination of Shankhapushpi with phenytoin is not advised.