Sankhapushpi bindweed (Convolvulus prostratus)

Convolvulus prostratus is the plant most North Indian Ayurvedic practice means by shankhapushpi, a small, hairy, creeping bindweed of dry, sandy ground with pale pink or white trumpet flowers. Shankhapushpi is a classical medhya herb, used for memory and the mind. Several different plants are sold under the same name, so identity matters.

Botanical name: Convolvulus prostratus Forssk.
Family: Convolvulaceae
Tamil: Sankhapushpi
Hindi: Shankhapushpi
Sanskrit: Śaṅkhapuṣpī
Parts used: Whole herb in lists
Habit: Prostrate bindweed; shankhapushpi is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-30

How to recognise Sankhapushpi bindweed

It is a low, spreading perennial with many thin, hairy stems radiating from a woody rootstock.

The leaves are small, narrow and covered in soft, silvery hairs.

Flowers are small, funnel-shaped, pale pink to white, opening in the morning.

Evolvulus alsinoides, often used as shankhapushpi in the south, has tiny blue flowers. Clitoria ternatea, sometimes sold under the same name, is a large blue pea-flower vine.

Traditional use of Sankhapushpi bindweed

Ayurveda

Shankhapushpi is one of the medhya rasayanas, herbs traditionally used to support memory, learning and calm, often taken as a syrup.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Modern notes on Sankhapushpi bindweed

Small animal and human studies report effects on memory and anxiety, but trials are few, small and often of commercial products.

Pharmacognosy studies show that commercial shankhapushpi is frequently a different species from the one on the label.

Sankhapushpi bindweed safety

Do not use it in place of medical care for memory problems, anxiety or depression. Talk to a doctor if you take other medicines.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on dry, sandy and rocky ground from north-west Africa and Arabia to north-west India, especially Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Collection of whole plants for the herbal trade can deplete local populations.

Its flowers are visited by small bees.

Related plants

Also in Convolvulaceae

Questions about Sankhapushpi bindweed

Is all shankhapushpi Sankhapushpi bindweed plant?

No. Evolvulus alsinoides and Clitoria ternatea are also sold under the name.

What older names does Convolvulus prostratus go by?

Convolvulus pluricaulis.

Does Sankhapushpi bindweed improve memory?

Evidence is limited and mostly from small studies.

How is Sankhapushpi bindweed usually taken?

As a syrup or powder in Ayurvedic preparations.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.