Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)

Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) is not consumed as a food for macronutrient value; it is used as a medicinal herb, typically as whole-plant powder, decoction, or extract. Its pharmacological relevance derives from its bioactive phytochemical profile rather than caloric or macronutrient content. Bioactive Compounds & Approximate Concentrations (whole dried plant basis): • Alkaloids: Shankhapushpine, convolvine, convolamine, convosine — total alkaloid content approximately 0.3–0.5% w/w; these tropane-type and non-tropane alkaloids are considered primary contributors to nootropic and anxiolytic activity. • Flavonoids: Kaempferol, quercetin, and their glycosides — total flavonoid content approximately 1.5–3.0% w/w (expressed as quercetin equivalents); these contribute antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. • Triterpenoids & Steroids: Shankhapushpin, β-sitosterol (~0.05–0.1% w/w), and other phytosterols contributing to anti-inflammatory and membrane-stabilizing properties. • Glycosides: Convolvulin and scopoletin (a coumarin glycoside, ~0.02–0.08% w/w); scopoletin has documented anxiolytic and spasmolytic activity. • Phenolic acids: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid — total phenolic content reported at approximately 15–30 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dried extract, contributing to overall antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC50 values reported around 50–150 µg/mL for ethanolic extracts). • Volatile oils: Trace amounts (<0.1%) including minor monoterpenes. • Carbohydrates/Polysaccharides: Mucilaginous polysaccharides present (contributing to traditional digestive use), not quantified precisely for nutritional purposes. • Crude fiber: ~15–20% in whole dried plant powder. • Protein: ~5–8% crude protein (whole plant, dried basis); not a significant dietary source. • Minerals (per 100 g dried plant, approximate): Calcium ~200–400 mg, Iron ~5–15 mg, Zinc ~2–5 mg, Magnesium ~100–200 mg, Potassium ~500–900 mg — values vary significantly with soil and cultivation conditions. • Vitamins: Trace amounts of vitamin C (~5–15 mg/100 g dried herb) reported; not a meaningful dietary source of vitamins. Bioavailability Notes: Aqueous decoctions (Kashaya) and milk-based preparations (Ksheerapaka) are traditional delivery methods that may enhance bioavailability of polar glycosides and alkaloids. Ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts show higher extraction of flavonoids and triterpenoids. The alkaloid shankhapushpine is moderately lipophilic, suggesting improved absorption with lipid-based formulations (Ghrita/ghee preparations traditional in Ayurveda). Scopoletin has moderate oral bioavailability but undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism. Standardized extracts are typically calibrated to total alkaloid content (≥0.3%) or total phenolic content for consistency.