Convolvulus prostratus Forssk : A Memory Boosting Herb

Abstract

Convolvulus prostratus Forssk. aka C. pluricaulis, C. microphyllus commonly known as ‘Shankhpushpi’ has been traditionally used for improvement in memory and cognitive function in cases of dementia, epilepsy, depression, anxiety and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Studies have shown that this herb has potential to enhance memory recall, increase brain plasticity and boost learning ability. The plant species has several active metabolites including alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids and terpenoids that interacts with protein, neurological signaling pathways and demonstrates pharmacological effects, such as, anti-amnesiac, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, analgesic, antioxidant, neuroprotective, memory and learning improving, sedative-hypnotic and anticonvulsant activity, which have been linked to brain health and the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, leaf explant of C. prostratus were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog’s medium) medium supplemented with 1mgL-1 2, 4-D shows optimum callus induction. Moreover, several biotechnological approaches could be used for better understanding of its memory enhancing mechanism, such as, phytochemical analysis for active compounds, in vitro and in vivo studies for safety and efficacy, metabolomics for potential health benefits and tissue culture for large scale productionof this medicially potent plant species in controlled environment. At present, there are many commercial medicinal products available in the market consisting Shakhapushpi as an ingredient or whole.