Shankhpushpi for Sleep Quality

Research suggests that Shankhpushpi, primarily derived from Convolvulus pluricaulis, may support sleep quality through CNS depressant and sedative mechanisms, with animal studies directly demonstrating sleep-inducing and neuropharmacological effects relevant to sleep promotion. A 2022 umbrella systematic review found broad preclinical evidence for neurological benefits including anxiety and stress reduction, and network pharmacology analysis pointed to interactions with serotonergic pathways that are relevant to mood regulation and sleep, though the review also noted that robust human clinical evidence remains limited. Studies indicate that the CNS depressant activity observed across multiple plant species traditionally called shankhpushpi — including C. pluricaulis, Evolvulus alsinoides, and Clitoria ternatea — supports the traditional Ayurvedic use of these herbs for sleeplessness, with C. pluricaulis generally showing the strongest overall activity in animal models. The available evidence base consists primarily of animal studies, preclinical laboratory research, and traditional use documentation rather than controlled human trials, which is an important limitation when evaluating the practical significance of these findings for sleep quality in people.