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Description
Shankpushpi is used traditionally to treat nervous
debility, insomnia, fatigue, low energy level. The whole
herb is used medicinally in the form of decoction with
cumin and milk in fever, nervous debility, loss of memory.
Shankhapushpi is used as a brain tonic. Is used as a
tonic, alterative and febrifuge. It is a sovereign remedy
in bowel complaints especially dysentery. The plant is
reported to be a prominent memory improving drug. It is
used as a psychostimulant and tranquilizer. It is reported
to reduce mental tension. The ethanolic extract of the
plant reduces total serum cholesterol, triglycerides,
phospholipids and nonesterfied fatty-acid.
There is a pertinent reference in Ayurvedic literature
about the use of the drug as brain tonic in hypotensive
syndromes. The pharmacological studies of the herb have
shown varying degree of its hypotensive and tranquilizing
effects.
Clinical studies have exhibited demonstrable beneficial
effects in the patients of anxiety neurosis. The herb
induces a feeling of calm and peace, good sleep and a
relief in anxiety, stresses, mental fatigue, producing a
significant reduction in the level of anxiety, neuroticism
arising due to various levels of stresses.
The herb appears to produce its action by modulation of
neuro-chemistry of the brain. Further, the herb is
non-toxic and its use does not produce any side effects.
On the other hand, there is invigorating effect in
improvement of health and weight gain.
Ayurvedic classics namely Charak, Sushrita, Astang Sangrah
and Astang Harida provide ample reference for management
of various diseases. According to Ayurvedic concept,
Rasayan therapy simultaneously effects the body and mind
and brings about physical and phschic improvement. This
therapy prevents the effects, ageing, develops
intelligence and increases the body resistance agains
diseases.
There is an imperative need for in-depth scientific
investigations on the specific ideology of medicines and
the procedure of Rasayan Chikitsa discussed in Ayurveda.
The World Health Organisation has laid down that ""Health
is a state of complete physical, mental and social well
being and not merely absence of disease or infirmity"".
Rasayana drug in Ayurveda may be equated with modern
immunomodulator drugs since they possess similar
properties and perform similar functions.
A
twining perennial herb, Convolvulus pluricaulis occurs in
the plains of Northern Indian and Bihar. The whole plant
is one of the most important Medha Rasayana drugs in
Ayurveda. Its use improves the balance and vitiation in
Kapha-vata-pitta doshas and the herb is astringent and
bitter.
Chemical studies of whole plant have shown the presence of
glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids and alkaloids. Shankha
pushpine, (the alkaloid) has been identified as active
principle. B. sitosterol glycoside, Hydroxy Cinnamic acid,
Octacosanol tetracosane alongwith glucose, sucrose also
have been isolated from the plant drugs. |
