Vishnukranthi (Evolvulus alsinoides)

Vishnukranthi is dwarf morning glory, a small, silky-haired creeping herb with sky-blue flowers that open in the morning. In South India it is one of the plants sold as shankhpushpi, the Ayurvedic memory herb; elsewhere that name is given to Convolvulus prostratus or the butterfly pea, Clitoria ternatea. Siddha practice uses vishnukranthi for fevers and coughs.

Botanical name: Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L.
Family: Convolvulaceae
Tamil: Vishnukranthi
Hindi: Shankhpushpi
Sanskrit: Viṣṇukrāntā
Parts used: Whole herb
Habit: Prostrate bindweed with small sky-blue flowers
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Vishnukranthi

It is a small, prostrate or spreading perennial, with many thin, wiry stems from a woody base.

The whole plant is covered in fine, silky, silvery hairs.

The leaves are small, oval and stalkless, about a centimetre long.

Sky-blue, saucer-shaped flowers, about a centimetre across, open singly on thin stalks in the morning.

The fruit is a small, round capsule with up to four seeds.

Traditional use of Vishnukranthi

Ayurveda

Shankhpushpi is used as a medhya rasayana, a herb for memory and calm, often as a syrup or powder.

Ayurvedic practice

Siddha

Vishnukranthi is used in Siddha decoctions for fevers, coughs and digestion.

Siddha practice

Modern notes on Vishnukranthi

Animal studies report effects on memory and anxiety, but human trials are small.

Because several plants are sold as shankhpushpi, products vary in content.

It contains alkaloids such as evolvine and various flavonoids.

Its genus name comes from Latin for unrolling, because unlike most morning glories it does not twine or climb.

Vishnukranthi safety

Use shankhpushpi products from tested sources, and avoid them in pregnancy and with sedative medicines unless a doctor agrees.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows on dry, open ground across the tropics.

Small bees visit its flowers.

It survives drought on a woody rootstock.

Related plants

Also in Convolvulaceae

Questions about Vishnukranthi

Is Vishnukranthi shankhpushpi?

In South India, yes; other plants share the name.

When do the flowers of Vishnukranthi open?

In the morning.

Is Vishnukranthi a morning glory?

Yes, a small member of the family.

Does Vishnukranthi improve memory?

Evidence in people is limited.

Why does Vishnukranthi look silvery?

It is covered in fine, silky hairs.

Can Vishnukranthi be grown in a garden?

Yes, as a low ground cover in dry, sunny places.

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.