Unveiling the Medicinal Activity and Potential Health Benefits of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea)

Abstract

The extensive utilization of Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) plant in traditional medicine stems from its abundance in biologically active compounds. Both its above-ground and underground components are employed in treating a spectrum of ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, retinal damage, edema and indigestion. Extract from the Clitoria ternatea flower exhibits a myriad of health benefits, including antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic and antidiabetic properties. These attributes render Clitoria ternatea flowers promising for incorporation into functional foods, given their broad therapeutic spectrum, safety and efficacy. From Clitoria, a range of primary and secondary plant metabolites have been extracted, including aparagitin, clitorin, triterpenoids, anthocyanins, steroidal glycosides and flavonols. Various pharmacological activities of Clitoria ternatea are included in this article, encompassing its nootropic, anticonvulsant, antidepressant, anxiolytic, antistress, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, analgesic, cytotoxic, antiplatelet and hepatoprotective properties.