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1Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Chennai, India.
2Faculty of Pharmacy, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Selaiyur, Chennai, India
Butterfly pea, or Clitoria ternatea L., is a beautiful blooming climber belonging to the Fabaceae family. Originally from tropical Asia, it has progressively made its way to India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and portions of the Americas, where it is grown for both medical and feed purpose in addition to its stunning look. It has long been prized for its therapeutic qualities and is affectionately referred to as Aparajita and Sangu Pushpam in traditional Indian medicine. Anthocyanins, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, alkaloids, phenols, triterpenoids, steroids, glycosides, and volatile oils are among the many natural components found in this plant, according to scientific research. Anthocyanins, potent natural antioxidants that aid in shielding the body from oxidative stress, give its blossoms their striking blue hue. Butterfly pea blossoms are also being used more frequently as safe, natural food colouring due to its vivid tint. Hardy and adaptable, Clitoria ternatea grows well in a variety of soil types and can withstand mild rainfall and dryness. It is appropriate for tropical and subtropical areas because of its resilience. Numerous biological actions are highlighted by research, such as wound healing, antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anthelmintic, antihistaminic, and even cytotoxic effects. Laboratory investigations validate its antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities, while studies in experimental models suggest it may help manage blood sugar and lipid levels. All things considered, butterfly pea is a promising medicinal and nutraceutical resource rather than merely a decorative plant. To validate its advantages and guarantee its safe and efficient application in contemporary healthcare, more clinical research is necessary.
Clitoria ternatea, also known as the butterfly pea, is a perennial leguminous twiner that originated in the tropical region of Asia and later spread widely throughout South and Central America, the East and West Indies, India, and China, where it has become a naturalized species [1]. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and the Papilionaceae subfamily. In Indian traditional medicine, the plant is also known as Sangu Pushpam in Tamil, Aparajit in Hindi, and Aparajita in Bengali [2]. It grows best in areas with full sun and partial shade. Its seeds usually take 1-2 weeks to germinate, and around 4 weeks after that, they begin to bloom [3]. Nature has been the sole source of therapeutic herbs for a very long time. God has given us these medicinal plants, which can treat a vast array of illnesses in people and other living things. They have been the primary supply of medications for all medical systems, including other traditional ones around the world [4]. The preparation of Clitoria ternatea contained tannins, phlebotomine, carbohydrates, anthocyanins, saponins, triterpenoids, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, flavonol glycoside, proteins, anthraquinone, cardiac glycosides, volatile oils, and steroids, according to preliminary phytochemical screening [5]. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring antioxidants found in butterfly pea flowers that slow down the aging process. helps the skin and delays the aging process. The blue color of Clitoria ternatea flowers is a plentiful natural coloring that may be used in a variety of recipes [6]. Clitoria ternatea's striking blue petals are its most noticeable feature. A new field of study was prompted by growing food and safety consciousness, and it was suggested that using naturally occurring colorants derived from different plant sources would be advantageous over harmful synthetic dyes [7].
Figure 1 Clitoria Ternatea
2. Taxonomic Hierarchy:
The taxonomical classification of Clitoria ternatea [3]
|
Kingdom |
Plantae |
|
Genus |
Clitoria |
|
Species |
Ternatea (Linnaeus) |
|
Order |
Fabales |
|
Family |
Fabaceae |
|
Subfamily |
Papilionoideae |
|
Division |
Magnoliophyta |
|
Class |
Magnoliosida |
|
Subclass |
Rosids |
|
Phylum |
Tracheophyta |
3. Cultivation:
Clitoria ternatea is a tall, slender, climbing legume with deep roots that has a deep blue bloom and five leaflets. It thrives in a range of soil types, especially calcareous soils (pH 5.5–8.9). It is thriving in both areas with high rainfall and those with protracted drought. Seeds are used for propagation. Also known as Clitoria ternatea L., it produces great yields and shows excellent regrowth following cutting or grazing in a short amount of time. It is well suited to hard cracking clay soils in northern Australia. In addition, it is utilized as green manure as a cover crop. Typically, the seeds are planted from the start of the wet season to its midpoint. It thrives on light grazing during the rainy season [8].
4. Agronomic Traits:
4.1 Water: It grows from drier regions like Kordofan in the Sudan to the more drought-tolerant Zambia. It needs about 400 mm of rainfall, but it also does well under irrigation. Because of its nature, C. ternatea can withstand brief flooding but not extended inundation or water logging.
4.2 Soil: Clitoria thrives in a variety of soil types, ranging from deep alluvial to sandy, including calcareous soils, with pH values between 5.5 and 8.9. Although it thrives in moderately rich soils, it is particularly well suited to heavy clay alkaline soils. Because Clitoria ternatea prefers rich, moist soil (peat moss: loam: part sand or perlite 2:1:1), the soil must always be consistently moist for healthy growth [4].
4.3 Temperature: It requires mild temperatures down to 25ºC, although it is not suitable for areas that experience frequent or severe frosts. However, it can withstand hot summer temperatures and has a poor tolerance for frost.
4.4 Sun light: It is moderately shade-tolerant but can normally grow in full sunlight.
4.5 Fertilizer: C. ternatea typically grows on soil that contains phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S), either of which may be needed as fertilizers if planted in infertile soils.
4.6 Propagation: It grows quickly in warm, humid weather and has about 20% hard seed, depending on the season in which it is grown. It is manually collected, and cuttings are used to reproduce it from seed [9]. Because of their rigid seed coats, Clitoria ternatea seeds do not germinate or absorb water; nevertheless, after six months of storage, 15-20% of the seeds may germinate. While mechanical scarification boosted the germination of 6-month-old seed from 30% to 71%, the use of hot water, sulfuric acid (H2 SO4), potassium hydroxide, and soaking in a 100 mg/L solution of sodium cyanide (NaCN) has also improved germination and early plant growth [10].
5. Geographical Spread:
The Clitoria genus is a common garden flower that grows in tropical and subtropical sections of the world and is an unimportant native climber. The genus is now rare in semi-arid tropical Australia as well as humid and sub-humid regions of Asia, America, and Africa [4]. It spreads from roughly 20° North latitude to the Salta district in Argentina at roughly 24° South latitude. It grows from sea level to 1800 and is also grown as an ornamental in the warmer regions of the world. In Sudan, it is grown for grazing or fodder, while in Kenya, it is grown in combination with Chloris gayana [10]. In Africa, it grows in grasslands, frequently on seasonally wet black clays and in historic cultivations. This plant's species is found throughout the United States, from Florida to Texas and from New Jersey to Kentucky and Arkansas. It is frequently found in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and other places. It can be found across India, but it is most prevalent in the Andaman Islands and southern India up to 1,500 meters above sea level [11].
6. MEDICINAL USES:
Traditional medicine uses the plant to treat ailments like skin, eye, throat, and migraines, as well as asthma and jaundice. Central nervous system disorders, leprosy, ear pain, swollen joints, eruptions, fever, urinary tract infections, constipation, snake bites, headaches, and indigestion. Many pharmacological characteristics, such as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-diabetic, antioxidative, anti-stress, immunomodulatory, larvicidal, proteolytic, anthelmintic, diuretic, antimicrobial, and memory-enhancing qualities, have been documented for its many extracts [12].
Figure 2 Clitoria ternatea in Ayurvedic medicine
7. Pharmacological Properties:
7.1 Antimicrobial Activity:
The antimicrobial screening was assessed in comparison to Extended
Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Klesiella pneumonia, Enteropathogenic E. coli, Uro-pathogenic E. coli, and Pseudomonas aureginosa that produce Spectrum Beta Lactamase (ESBL) were identified from individuals suffering from acute gastroenteritis. The aforementioned extracts were tested for activity using the disc diffusion method. Extracts of C.ternatea flowers in water, methanol, and chloroform demonstrated efficacy against Salmonella typhimurium, Klesiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aureginosa, uropathogenic E. coli, Enteropathogenic E. coli, and Enterotoxigenic E. coli. When compared to aqueous and chloroform extracts, the methanol extract of C. ternatea shows relatively high activity. Petroleum ether and hexane extracts showed no activity, whereas water, methanol, and chloroform extracts at a concentration of 4 mg/disc produced an inhibitory zone of 12 mm, 16 to 26 mm, and 14 to 18 mm, respectively [13].
7.2 Anthelmintic Activity:
Anthelmintic activity was demonstrated by the ethanol and aqueous extracts of C. ternatea leaves at a concentration of 100g/ml. Eisenia foetida was used for this at three distinct ethanolic and aqueous extract strengths (100, 50, and 25 mg/ml, respectively). The study's main objective was to compare the anthelmintic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. ternatea leaves in vitro. As a result, the study determined the worms' times of paralysis (P) and death (D). The aqueous extract's paralysis and death times were found to be 18 ± 1.57 and 53.33 ± 0.33, respectively, while the ethanolic extracts were 12.33 ± 0.80 and 32.33 ± 0.71. Finally, it was discovered that the ethanolic extract of C. ternatea had a stronger anthelmintic effect than the aqueous extract [14].
7.3 Antihistaminic Activity:
Antihistaminic activity was exhibited by the ethanolic extract of C. ternatea roots in a dose-dependent manner. Ethanol Extract of C. ternatea Root (ECTR) at doses of 100, 125, and 150 mg/kg IP was tested for antihistaminic efficacy utilizing clonidine and haloperidol-induced catalepsy in mice. Histamine H1 receptor antagonists, but not H2 receptor antagonists, blocked the α2 adrenoreceptor agonist clonidine, which caused dose-dependent catalepsy in mice. Different asthmatic diseases are caused by clonidine, which causes mast cells to produce histamine. The main way that a nonselective D2 dopamine antagonist (haloperidol) causes catalepsy is by blocking dopamine receptors in the striatum. Haloperidol-induced catalepsy is inhibited by the substances that stimulate dopamine transmission. The results shown that while 12 ECTR and CPM failed to reduce haloperidol-induced catalepsy, ethanol extract of C. ternatea root (ECTR) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) effectively inhibited clonidine-induced catalepsy (P < 0.001) as compared to the control group. Therefore, it is concluded that haloperidol-induced catalepsy is inhibited by drugs that increase dopamine transmission, and the current investigation demonstrates that ECTR has antihistaminic effect [15].
7.4 Antioxidant Activity:
Antioxidants protect the human body from a number of disorders linked to radical reactions by acting as radical scavengers and inhibiting lipid peroxidation and other free radical-mediated processes. Many phenol-based antioxidants, including tannis, coumarins, xanthenes, and more recently procyanidins, have been shown to scavenge radicals in a dose-dependent way and are hence considered pathologies. The vast and varied class of phytochemicals known as phenolic compounds includes numerous families of aromatic secondary metabolites found in plants. They are known to have a variety of physiological effects on humans, including minimizing oxidative damage to low density lipoprotein and lipids, lowering the risk of cancer and coronary heart disease, and suppressing platelet aggressiveness. Strong in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds are linked to their capacity to scavenge free radicals, interrupt radical chain reactions, and chelate metals [2].
7.5 Antidiabetic Activity:
Antidiabetic activity of the ethanol extract was examined in rats. Due to the reduction of galactoside and glucoside activities, rats given ethanol-based floral extracts for three weeks had considerably reduced serum sugar levels in experimentally generated diabetics; however, fructosidase activity was not inhibited. Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were used to test the hypoglycemic qualities of methanol, water, petroleum ether, and chloroform extract of Clitoria ternatea leaves for both acute and subacute effects.In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, the extracts of Clitoria ternatea (200–400 mg/kg) greatly reduced the hyperglycemic effect; 400 mg/kg had significant hypoglycemic effects; 200 mg/kg also lowered glucose levels, but not as much as 400 mg/kg. For 200–400 mg/kg, the acute effects of the methanol extract were almost same; however, 200 mg/kg induced a little decrease in blood glucose levels after 30 minutes. Subacute activity demonstrated that the 200 mg/kg dose of extract is far more effective than the 400 mg/kg dose for controlling blood glucose levels over the long run. Rats treated with leaf extracts largely displayed the same profile as those treated with flower extracts in every biochemical test. The anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic potential was examined in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats and correlated with either its in-vitro or in-vivo antioxidant activity. In the dose range of 100–200 mg/kg, the extracts and parts were first tested for acute and sub chronic anti-diabetic action. According to the study, the extract from C. ternatea leaves and flowers has anti-hyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic properties, which may lessen the liver and kidney damage linked to alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus in rats. Triglycerides, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are significantly (P<0.05) reduced by the combination of water and alcohol lysates of the roots and seeds of C. ternatea L. and the hydroalcoholic extracts of the seeds of V. mungo L. (Fabaceae) on preliminary developed hyperlipidemia in rats by poloxamer 407-induced acute hyperlipidemia and diet-induced hyperlipidemia models. In rats with diet-induced hyperlipidemia, the atherogenic index (AI) and the high density (HDL) /low density lipoprotein (LDL) ratio returned to normal following treatment [16].
7.6 Antipyretic Activity:
Methanolic Extract of C. ternatea L. Root (MECTR) of the blue-flowered variety (Family: Fabaceae) was evaluated for its anti-pyretic activity in albino rats with normal body temperature and pyrexia caused by yeast. After 19 hours of subcutaneous injection of yeast suspension (10 ml/kg body weight), an increase in rectal temperature was noted. At dosages of 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight, the extract significantly lowered normal body temperature and, in a dose-dependent way, increased temperature induced by yeast. Up to five hours after the medication was administered, the impact persisted. The extract's anti-pyretic effects were similar to those of the common anti-pyretic drug paracetamol (150 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) [17].
7.7 Cytotoxic Activity:
The crude methanolic extract of the stem bark, leaves, and seeds of C. ternatea exhibited significant cytotoxic activity in the brine shrimp lethality bioassay. The crude methanol extract of stem-bark, leaves, and seeds had LC50 values of 179.89, 25.82, and 110.92 µgm/ml, respectively. A very promising cytotoxic activity was demonstrated by the crude methanol extract of leaves (25.82 µgm/ml) and the methanol fraction of leaves (22.28 µgm/ml) [18].
7.8 Proteolytic Activities:
In extracts of cotyledons and axis of resting and germinating seeds of Clitoria ternatea, the activities of endopeptidases (hemoglobin pH 3.5 and azocasein pH 6.0), carboxypeptidase benzyloxy carbonyl (CBZ-Phe-AlaPh5.2), and arylamidases lysophosphatidic acid and a-Nbenzoyl-L-arginine P-nitro-analide (LPA 7.0 and BAPA 7.6), but the endopeptidases at pH 7.0 were higher in cotyledons (Chauhan et al., 2012). While endopeptidases increased on day three and thereafter decreased, carboxypeptidase and arylamidase activity grew in cotyledons and reached a maximum on day nine (Chauhan et al., 2012). Endopeptidase and carboxypeptidase activities in the axial tissue increased until day 9, after which they decreased, and arylamidase activity was low. The sprouting cotyledons' increased activity of carboxypeptidase and acidic endopeptidases indicates their involvement in the breakdown of the store proteins [19].
7.9 Wound Healing Activity:
Using excision, incision, and dead-space models in rats, the effects on wound healing were examined. When given orally through gavages and applied topically as an ointment that is comparable to cotrimoxazole ointment, seed and root extracts greatly enhanced the ability to cure wounds. The results of this study revealed that plants had an impact on the inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling phases of wound healing [20].
CONCLUSION:
A member of the Fabaceae family, Clitoria ternatea L. is much more than just a pretty flowering climber. It is a highly valued and versatile medicinal plant that thrives in a variety of soil types and climates, making it both economically and therapeutically significant. Traditional medical systems have relied on it for generations to assist treat a variety of health issues, including as skin and respiratory ailments, as well as neurological and metabolic abnormalities. Anthocyanins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds are among the many naturally occurring bioactive substances found in this plant, according to scientific studies. Its ability to heal is mostly due to these ingredients. Clitoria ternatea may have antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, antipyretic, cytotoxic, proteolytic, and wound-healing qualities, according to studies. Its potent antioxidant action and capacity to reduce blood glucose and cholesterol in experimental diabetic mice underscore its potential relevance in the treatment of metabolic disorders. It is also a healthy and appealing natural substitute for artificial food coloring due to the vivid blue anthocyanin pigments. The majority of the information is derived from laboratory and animal studies, notwithstanding the encouraging results thus far. Standardized preparations, appropriate safety evaluations, and well-designed clinical trials are still required. Clitoria ternatea has the potential to be a significant natural cure in contemporary healthcare and nutraceutical applications with additional investigation.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Hari Nandhini. A, who supported and guided me in completing this work. First and foremost, I would like to thank Dr.R. Srinivasan, Dean of Pharmacy and Dr.R. Saravanan, HOD of Pharmacy, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai for their valuable guidance, encouragement, and continuous support throughout the preparation of this review. I am also thankful to the faculty members of my department for their helpful suggestions and academic support. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my friends and classmates for their support, motivation, and cooperation during the preparation of this review.
REFERENCES
Hari Nandhini A.*, Vijitha V., Tamilarasan R., Sastha K., Srikanth B., Clitoria Ternatea: A Comprehensive Review on Its Botanical and Pharmacological Aspects, Int. J. Med. Pharm. Sci., 2026, 2 (3), 342-348. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19135215
10.5281/zenodo.19135215