# Vishnukranthi (Evolvulus alsinoides)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/vishnukranthi
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Evolvulus alsinoides, Dwarf morning glory, Blue daze, Shankhpushpi, Convolvulus alsinoides, Slender dwarf morning-glory, Vishnukranti

## Overview

Vishnukranthi (Evolvulus alsinoides) is a traditional Siddha medicine herb containing flavonoids and alkaloids that enhances memory through [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibition. The plant demonstrates significant nootropic and anti-anxiety effects in preclinical studies, supporting its traditional use as a brain tonic.

## Health Benefits

• Memory enhancement and nootropic effects (supported by animal studies showing activity against scopolamine-induced memory impairment)
• Anti-anxiety properties (demonstrated in animal models at 100-200 mg/kg aqueous methanol extracts)
• [Neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) activity through acetylcholinesterase inhibition (preclinical evidence only)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects via flavonoids like kaempferol and quercetin (in-vitro DPPH and FRAP assays)
• Traditional use for neural regeneration and cognitive support as Medhya Rasayana (historical evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Vishnukranthi exerts [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s primarily through acetylcholinesterase inhibition, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine and enhancing cholinergic neurotransmission. The flavonoids and alkaloids in the plant modulate GABAergic pathways to produce anxiolytic effects. These compounds also protect against scopolamine-induced memory impairment by maintaining cholinergic function in the hippocampus.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Vishnukranthi is limited to animal studies and traditional use documentation. Animal models show memory enhancement effects against scopolamine-induced impairment, with aqueous methanol extracts demonstrating anti-anxiety activity at 100-200 mg/kg dosages. The [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibitory activity has been confirmed in vitro, supporting the traditional nootropic applications. Human clinical trials are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Vishnukranthi (Evolvulus alsinoides) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so nutritional macronutrient content is minimal and not clinically significant. Key bioactive compounds drive its functional value:

**Alkaloids:** Evolvine, betaine (~0.1–0.5% dry weight); contribute to cholinergic modulation and nootropic activity.

**Flavonoids:** Kaempferol and quercetin (combined estimated 0.3–1.2% dry weight); potent [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s with moderate oral bioavailability (~20–50% for quercetin with food matrix influence; kaempferol slightly lower ~15–40%).

**Triterpenoids/Sterols:** Beta-sitosterol and phytosterols (~0.1–0.4% dry weight); [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) contributions with low but measurable GI absorption (~5–15%).

**Scopoletin (coumarin):** Trace levels (~0.05–0.2% dry weight); associated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity; lipophilic, moderate bioavailability.

**Tannins and Phenolic acids:** Gallic acid and ellagic acid derivatives (~0.5–2.0% dry weight); antioxidant and [neuroprotective](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) synergy; bioavailability variable (10–30%), enhanced by microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management).

**Essential amino acids:** Present in minor quantities; not a meaningful dietary protein source.

**Minerals:** Traces of iron, calcium, and zinc detected in leaf ash analysis; concentrations nutritionally negligible.

**Macronutrients (dried herb, approximate per 100g):** Carbohydrates ~55–65g, Crude fiber ~15–20g, Protein ~8–12g, Fat ~2–4g; caloric contribution irrelevant given typical therapeutic dose (1–3g herb/day).

**Bioavailability Notes:** Aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts significantly enhance flavonoid and alkaloid extraction efficiency compared to raw herb; fat-soluble compounds (beta-sitosterol, scopoletin) show improved absorption when taken with lipid-containing meals; tannin content may moderately inhibit mineral co-absorption.

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional dosages include whole plant powder (churna) at 3-6 g/day divided into two doses with warm water or honey. Decoction (kwath) uses 50 g dried aerial parts boiled in 500 ml water reduced to 150 ml, taken as 50 ml twice daily. Alcoholic tincture standardized to 1% scopoletin at 2-4 ml twice daily. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Vishnukranthi is limited, with most information derived from traditional use patterns rather than systematic toxicological studies. The herb may potentially interact with cholinesterase inhibitor medications due to its [acetylcholine](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)sterase inhibitory activity. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data. Individuals taking medications for dementia or anxiety disorders should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for Vishnukranthi is limited to preclinical animal and in-vitro studies, with no published human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses available. The available research consists primarily of animal models demonstrating [nootropic](/ingredients/condition/cognitive) and anxiolytic effects, but lacks human data, specific sample sizes, or detailed study designs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Ayurveda, Vishnukranthi has been used for centuries as a key Medhya Rasayana (nervine tonic) for enhancing intellect, [memory](/ingredients/condition/cognitive), and strength while balancing Vata and Kapha doshas. Traditional applications include gastroprotection, antiulcer, analgesic, [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), [adaptogen](/ingredients/condition/stress)ic, antidiabetic, and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects.

## Synergistic Combinations

Brahmi, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola, Mandukaparni, Rhodiola

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active dose of Vishnukranthi for memory enhancement?

Animal studies suggest effective doses of 100-200 mg/kg of aqueous methanol extract for anti-anxiety effects. However, human therapeutic doses have not been established through clinical trials, and traditional preparations vary widely in concentration.

### How does Vishnukranthi compare to other nootropic herbs?

Vishnukranthi shares acetylcholinesterase inhibitory mechanisms with Brahmi and Ginkgo biloba but appears to have stronger traditional anxiolytic applications. Unlike synthetic nootropics, it provides a broader spectrum of bioactive compounds including flavonoids and alkaloids.

### Can Vishnukranthi be taken with prescription anxiety medications?

Vishnukranthi may interact with cholinesterase inhibitors and potentially enhance the effects of anxiety medications through GABAergic modulation. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before combining with prescription medications.

### What forms of Vishnukranthi are most effective?

Research has focused on aqueous methanol extracts, which show the strongest bioactivity for memory and anxiety effects. Traditional preparations include powdered whole plant and decoctions, though standardized extracts may provide more consistent potency.

### How long does it take to see cognitive benefits from Vishnukranthi?

Animal studies show acute effects within hours of administration, particularly for memory protection against scopolamine. Traditional use suggests consistent daily intake over weeks may be needed for sustained cognitive enhancement, though human timelines are not clinically established.

### Is Vishnukranthi safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence evaluating the safety of Vishnukranthi in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and it should be avoided during these periods as a precaution. Traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine does not substitute for modern safety data in vulnerable populations. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### What is the evidence quality for Vishnukranthi's cognitive benefits in humans?

Most evidence for Vishnukranthi's nootropic effects comes from animal studies and in vitro research, with very limited human clinical trials available. While traditional Ayurvedic use spans centuries, robust double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in human subjects are largely absent from the scientific literature. Current human evidence is insufficient to make definitive claims about efficacy, and more rigorous clinical research is needed.

### Which populations should avoid Vishnukranthi supplementation?

Individuals with acetylcholinesterase-dependent conditions, those taking cholinergic medications, and people allergic to plants in the Convolvulaceae family should exercise caution or avoid Vishnukranthi. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should avoid supplementation due to lack of safety data. Anyone with liver or kidney disease should consult a healthcare provider before use, as metabolic clearance has not been thoroughly studied.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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