An update on Ayurvedic herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy

Parul Agarwa, Bhawna Sharma, Amreen Fatima, Sanjay Kumar Jain

Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi 284121, U.P, India

An update on Ayurvedic herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy

Parul Agarwa*, Bhawna Sharma, Amreen Fatima, Sanjay Kumar Jain

Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi 284121, U.P, India

PEER REVIEW

Peer reviewer

Prof. Vanessa Steenkamp, Department of Pharmacology, P.O. Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. E-mail: vanessa.steenkamp@up.ac.za

Shashi Alok, Assistant Professor, Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi (U.P.), India.

Tel: +91 9450036362

E-mail: shashialok83@gmail.com

Comments

This paper is a good review paper on Ayurvedic and pharmacological activities of C. pluricaulis. Citations used are also a good resources for reviewing and very informative to all the Ayurvedic and traditional practitioners.

Details on Page 251

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (C. pluricaulis) is a perennial herb that seems like morning glory. All parts of the herb are known to possess therapeutic benefits. The plant is used locally in Indian and Chinese medicine to cure various diseases. It is used in Ayurvedic formulation for chronic cough, sleeplessness, epilepsy, hallucinations, anxiety etc. Based on the comprehensive review of plant profile, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, pharmacological and toxicological data on the C. pluricaulis, there will be more opportunities for the future research and development on the herb C. pluricaulis. Information on the C. pluricaulis was collected via electronic search (using Pub Med, SciFinder, Google Scholar and Web of Science) and library search for articles published in peer-reviewed journals. Furthermore, information also was obtained from some local books on ethnopharmacology. This paper covers the literature, primarily pharmacological, from 1985 to the end of 2012. The C. pluricaulis is an important indigenous medicine, which has a long medicinal application for liver disease, epileptic disease, microbial disease, cytotoxic and viral diseases, central nervous system (CNS) disease in Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine and other indigenous medical systems. The isolated metabolites and crude extract have exhibited a wide of in vitro and in vivo pharmacological effect, including CNS depression, anxiolytic, tranquillizing, antidepressant, antistress, neurodegenerative, antiamnesic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, anticatatonic, and cardiovascular activity. A chemical study of this plant was then initiated, which led to the isolation of carbohydrats, proteins, alkaloids, fatty acids, steroids, coumarins, flavanoids, and glycosides as active chemicals that bring about its biological effects. A series of pharmacognostical studies of this plant show that it is a herb, its stem and leaves are hairy, more over it has two types of stomata, anisocytic and paracytic. A herb, C. pluricaulis has emerged as a good source of the traditional medicine for the treatment of liver disease, epileptic disease, microbial disease, cytotoxic and viral diseases, and CNS disease. Pharmacological results have validated the use of this species in traditional medicine. All the parts of the herb are known to possess therapeutic benefits. Expansion of research materials would provide more opportunities for the discovery of new bioactive principles from C. pluricaulis.

Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy, Pharmacognosy, Microscopy, Macroscopy, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology

1. Introduction

In the last few years, there has been an exponential growth in the field of herbal medicine, and these drugs are gaining popularity both in developing and developed countries because of their natural origin and less side effects[1]. Early humans recognized their dependence on nature for a healthy life, and since that time humanity has depended on the diversity of plant resources for food, clothing, shelter, and medicine to cure myriads of ailments[2]. Shankhpushpi of the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia of India consists of the whole plant ofConvulvulus pluricaulisChoisy (Convolvulaceae)syn (C. pluricaulis) andConvulvulus microphyllusSieb. ex Spreng (C. microphyllus)[3]. Plants other thanC. pluricaulisuse the name Shankhpushpi in different parts of the country. These includeEvolvulus alsinoidesLinn,Clitoria ternateaLinn andCanscora decussataSchult.

Indian Council of Medical Research has given quality standards forC. pluricaulisdrug in its publication[4]. Although these plants proved their scientific potential in central nervous system depression, anxiolytic, tranquillizing, antidepressant, antistress, neurodegenerative, antiamnesic, antioxidant, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, analgesic, antifungal, antibacterial, antidiabetic, antiulcer, anticatatonic, and cardiovascular activity. These are reported to contain several types of alkaloids, flavanoids, and coumarins as active chemicals that bring about its biological effects[5].

The plant has been found to be effective in reducing different types of stress including psychological, chemical and traumatic. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts of the whole plant reduced spontaneous motor activity, potentiated pentobarbitone hypnosis and morphine analgesia, reduced fighting response, abolished the conditioned avoidance response, antagonized convulsive seizures and tremorine induced tremors in mice. The juice of whole plant prevents excessive menstruation. The fine paste made by grinding the plant is helpful to cure abscess. Ethanolic extract of whole plant when administred to cholesterol fed gerbils, reduced serum cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids significantly after 90 d. The root extract of this plant regulated hyperthyroidism in female mice. The juice of fresh whole plant ofC. pluricaulispossessed anti-ulcerogenic effect and is comparable to sucralfate. Ethanolic extract of the entire plant exerted a negative inotropic action on amphibian and mammalian myocardium. It also exerted spasmolytic activity on smooth muscles[6].

1.1. Plant profile and synonyms

Figure 1 shows the profile of this plant,and the synonyms of this plant includeC. pluricaulisandC. microphyllus[7].

Figure 1.C. pluricalis.

1.2. Scientific classification

The scientific classification ofC. pluricaulisis demonstrated as follows[8]:

Kingdom: Plantae

Sub-kingdom: Tracheobionta

Super-division: Spermatophyta

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Sub-class: Asteridae

Order: Solanales

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus:Convolvulus

Species:pluricaulis

1.3. Vernacular names

The vernacular names ofC. pluricaulisis described as follows:

Sanskrit:Sankhapuspa

Bengal:Sankhapuspi

Gujarathi:Shankhavali

Hindi:Shankhapushpi, Aparajit

Kannada:Bilikanthisoppu

Marathi:Shankhavela

Punjabi:Shankhapuspi

Tamil:Sanghupushpam, kakkurattai

Telugu:Shankhapushpi

1.4. Description

C. pluricaulisis a perennial herb that seems like morning glory. Its branches are spread on the ground and can be more than 30 cm long. The flowers are blue in color (5 mm) and the leaves, which are elliptic in shape (2 mm), are located at alternate positions with branches or flowers. Known asAloeweed in English, the herb is commonly found in India, especially in the state of Bihar[9].

1.5. Chemical constituents

The chemical constituents ofC. pluricaulisare shown in Table 1[5].

1.6. Medicinal importance of C. pluricaulis

C. pluricaulisis of various medicinal uses. It is used for treatment of hypertension, neurodegenerative diseases, ulcers, high blood pressure, epilepsy, vomiting, diabetes, sun stroke and bleeding. In addition, it can also be used to improve memory and decrease cholesterol[10].

1.7. Traditional uses

Many previous studies have reported the traditional usesofC. pluricaulis.This plant is reported to be a prominent memory improving drug, a psychostimulant and tranquilize, and reduce mental tension. 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 ofC. pluricaulison 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 neurochemistry of the brain. The plant improves the balance and vitiation in kapha-vata-pitta doshas, and the herb is astringent and bitter[11].

Table 1 Chemical constituents of C. pluricaulis.

2. Macroscopic characters

Preliminary macroscopical characters of ethanolic extracts ofC. pluricaulis(leaves) are given in Table 2[12].

Table 2 Preliminary macroscopical characters of ethanolic extracts of C. pluricaulis (leaves).

3. Microscopic characters

Preliminary microscopical characters of ethanolic extracts ofC. pluricaulis(leaves) are given in Table 3[13].

Table 3 Preliminary microscopical characters of ethanolic extracts of C. pluricaulis (leaves).

4. Pharmacological activities

Preliminary pharmacological activities of ethanolic extracts ofC. pluricaulis(leaves) are given in Table 4[14-29].

5. Phytochemistry

The preliminary phytochemical screening carried out on ethanolic extracts ofC. pluricaulis(leaves) revealed the presence of phytoconstituents such as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, carbohydrates, proteins, sterols, gum and mucilages compounds. Diverse pharmacological properties and structurally novel compounds have been found for the alkaloids, flavanoids, glycosides, and steroids inC. pluricaulissuggesting that these compounds may be themajor contributors for the traditional therapeutical effects ofC. pluricaulis. Other compounds such as proteins, gum and mucilages have been also reported inC. pluricaulis.

Table 4 Preliminary pharmacological activities of ethanolic extracts of C. pluricaulis (leaves).

5.1. Physical analysis

The physical analysis ofC. pluricaulisare given in Table 5[30].

Table 5 Physical analysis of C. pluricaulis.

5.2. Phytochemical test

The preliminary phytochemical test of ethanolic extracts ofC. pluricaulis(leaves) are given in Table 6[31,32].

5.3. Phytochemical structures

The phytochemical structures present inC. pluricaulisare given in Table 7[33,34].

Table 6 Preliminary phytochemical test of ethanolic extracts of C. pluricaulis (leaves).

6. Current Ayurvedic formulation

Many medicines are currently available in India, in which after mixing numerous plant extracts or powders with two or threeMedhyaplants includingC. pluricaulisAyurvedic formulation is developed[35]. Some preparations have been subjected to clinical trials. Examples include:

6.1. Remem (Zydus Industries, India)

The syrup and tablets include the following 10 species:Centella asiatica(C. asiatica), Celastrus paniculatus(C. paniculatus), C. pluricaulis, Asparagus racemosus(A. racemosus), Acorus calamus(A. calamus), Embelia ribes(E. ribes), Tinospora cordifolia, Achyrantes aspera, TerminaliachebulaandSaussurea lappa[35].

Table 7 Phytochemical structures present in C. pluricaulis.

Table 7, continued Phytochemical structures present in C. pluricaulis.

6.2. Tirukati

Tirukatiincludes 13 species:Bacopa monnieri, C. pluricaulis, C. asiatica, A. racemosus, Valeriana wallichii, Rueraria tuberosa, Saussurea lappa, E. ribes, Tinosporacordifolia, Operculina turpethum, Pavonia odorata, Caryophyllus aromaticusandFoeniculum vulgare[35].

6.3. Ayumemo (Welexlabs, India)

Ayumemoconsists of 5 species:C. asiatica, C. pluricaulis, C. paniculatus, Withania somnifera,andA. racemosus[35].

6.4. Abana (The Himalaya Drug and Co, India)

The syrup and tablets include 19 species:C. asiatica, C. pluricaulis, C. paniculatus, Balsamodedron mukul, Ocimum sanctum, Nardostachys jatamansi, Piper longum, Carum copticum, Zingiber officinalis, Cyperus rotundus, A. calamus, E. ribes, Syzygium aromaticum, Santalum album, Elettaria cardamomum, Foeniculum vulgare, Rosa damascena, Cinnamomum cassiaandCrocus sativus[35].

6.5. Tejras (Sandu Brothers, India)

The syrup consists of the following 12 species:C. asiatica, C. pluricaulis, C. paniculatus, Eclipta alba, Cynodon dactylon, A. racemosus, Withania somnifera, Nardostachys jatamansi, A. calamus, Zingiber officinalisandVetiveria zizanoides[35].

6.6. Shankhapushpi (Unjha Pharmacy, India)

The syrup includes 6 species:C. pluricaulis, C. asiatica, Nardostachys jatamansi, Nepeia hindostana, Nepeia ellipticaandOnosma brateatum[35].

7. Toxicity

The LD50of the whole extract ofC. microphyllusby oral administration was found to be 1 250 (1 000-1 400) mg/kg. Mice treated with the extract showed a sedative effect at doses greater than 200 mg/kg and reflected a moderate to marked decrease in locomotor activity which lasted 1-2 h. The decrease in motor activity due to spontaneous motor activity was observed during the study. At a higher dose (more than 1 g/kg) animals died due to respiratory distress[36].

8. Conclusion

The present review discusses the plant profile, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, phytochemistry of the herb,C. pluricauli. Glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, carbohydrates, steroids, proteins, gums and mucilage compounds are commonly present in this species. Pharmacological studies carried out on crude extracts and pure metabolites provided pragmatic documents for its traditional uses, and have revealed this herb to be a valuable source for medicinally important molecules.

Conflict of interest statement

We declare that we have no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the authorities of Bundelkhand University Jhansi for providing support to the study and other necessary facility like internet surfing, library and other technical support to write a review article.

Comments

Background

This is a review paper on the benefits ofC. pluricaulisas an alternative medicine for many diseases. The pharmacological effects exhibited by this plant have been elaborated in depth with citations from studies that have been conducted using this Ayurvedic plant.

Research frontiers

There is no lab experiment being done in this manuscript since it is a review paper. However, the author cited latest and recent publications on works done in this particular field, in which bring the readers to the recent analytical approach for pharmacological potential of this plant.

Related reports

The author cited different papers in his manuscript to support the therapeutic potential ofC. pluricaulisin traditional medicine. Past studies mostly presented the pharmacological activities of this plant donein vitroandin vivo.

Innovations and breakthroughs

This review paper is one of its own in which it summarizes any research that have been conducted onC. pluricaulisspecifically in medicinal field. It is a good source of literature survey for researchers who intended to do studies in this particular field, and use this plant.

Applications

This paper could be applied by most Ayurvedic practitioners in their medication activities to treat patients with different types of diseases.

Peer review

This paper is a good review paper on Ayurvedic and pharmacological activities ofC. pluricaulis. Citations used are also a good resources for reviewing and very informative to all the Ayurvedic and traditional practitioners.

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10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60240-9

*Corresponding author: Parul Agarwal, Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, 284121, U.P, India.

Tel: +919415987306

E-mail: agarwal.parul88@gmail.com

Foundation Project: Supported by Institute of Pharmacy, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, U.P, India (Grant No. BU/PHARM/2013/1003).

Article history:

Received 15 Nov 2013

Received in revised form 27 Nov, 2nd revised form 5 Dec, 3rd revised form 12 Dec 2013

Accepted 16 Jan 2014

Available online 28 Mar 2014