Butterfly pea flower antioxidant rich foods

Clitoria ternatea

The botanical name for “Butterfly pea” is Clitoria ternatea. There are two types based on the color of the petals; white and blue flowers. It is a tropical flower native to Zimbabwe, Ghana, Guinea, Malaysia and Indonesia. The plant seen in the tropical regions of India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Burma, and Philippine islands.

In Sri Lanka, the blue coloured flower of this plant is used for treatment in their traditional medicine. Different parts of this plant have been used in Sri Lankan traditional system of medicine and in folklore to treat variety of disorders such as anasarca (whole body swelling), ascites (fluid collection in abdomen), liver problems, hemicrania (one sided headache), irritation of urethra and bladder, and enlargement of abdominal viscera. The blue pea flower plant has been scientifically validated internationally to have medicinal properties specifically its biological activities such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective properties.      

Clitoria ternatea
Local names in each country

Health benefits of Clitoria ternatea

Antioxidant

It possesses antioxidant properties. Blue pea flower can be used as a functional natural beverage to manage oxidative stress associated with chronic diseases. Many researches indicate that Clitoria ternatea is rich in antioxidant properties compared to other flowers and medicines.

 These phenolic antioxidants also known as phytochemicals have been shown to scavenge radicals in a dose-dependent manner. They are favourable as a therapeutic drug for free radical pathologies. Blue pea flower is reported to have higher antioxidant and free radical scavenging abilities than vitamin C and vitamin E.

Brain tonic and enhances memory

It has been reported that butterfly pea flower plays an important role in the nervous system as well as improves brain system and boosts memory.

Mental illness

In the olden days, Clitoria ternatea has been used to treat neurological disorders. It is said that the flower of C. ternatea is good for treating mental illness

Anti diabetic activity

The observed antidiabetic activity in various studies may be at least partly due to the antioxidant properties of blue pea flower extract.

Cure for skin disease and insect bites

The stem, root and flower of C. ternatea are used to treat stings, such as snakebite or scorpion in India. The juice extract from the flowers of C. ternatea are known to cure skin diseases, insect stings and microorganisms.

Anthocyanin pigment health benefits

The anthocyanin pigment from Clitoria ternatea also shows anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-microbial properties, prevent diabetes, protect the cardiovascular system from damage and many more health benefits.

One research suggests that anthocyanin acts as an anti-ageing agent and helps protect the cell, protects cell damage and promotes healthy eyes. Anthocyanin improves blood flow at the neuro-retinal rim of the optic nerve and peripapillary retina.

Protection against cancer

The natural antioxidants include flavonoids, anthocyanin, flavonol glycosides, phenolic acids and procyanidins. The petals of C. ternatea contained flavonol glycosides, eight anthocyanins (ternatins C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 and D3 and preternatins A3 and C4), delphinidin-3, 5-diglucoside, kaemphferol These phenolic antioxidants act as a resistance to cancer due to their protective chemical components.

Reduces risk for heart disease

The phytochemicals have many physiological effects on humans such as preventing platelet aggregation. In some conditions, the bioactive compounds curb the oxidative damage of lipid and low density lipoprotein (LDL Cholesterol).

Therapeutic agent in various diseases

These phytochemicals contain nutrients that slow down the aging process. They also reduce the risk of critical diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stroke, urinary tract infection, cognitive decline and cataracts.

The essential components in the flower protect the liver and can improve liver function.

Treats male and female reproductive disorders

C. ternatea plant has been effective in treating female sexual disorders such as infertility, gonorrhoea, to correct menstrual disorders, and as an aphrodisiac. It treats male infertility by increasing sperm mobility.

Piles treatment

Apply the paste of the whole plant paste over the swelling, infected and bleeding area and it is effective piles treatment.

Safe natural colouring agent in food industry

This pigment is safe, natural and non-toxic and it satisfies the criteria for consumers in food colours or manufacturing industry. The purple colour of Clitoria ternatea has anthocyanin compounds. The white flower does not have anthocyanins. Anthocyanins have an important role in disease prevention.

The use of many artificial food colouring agents in food, drinks, and cosmetic industries will trigger health problems among consumers over a long period. Artificial colouring is replaced with a natural pigment called anthocyanin. This is a phenolic compound that ranges from orange to blue colour.

On realizing the many benefits of C. ternatea to humans, it is very important to investigate the phytochemicals of the plant by varying several parameters for better quality. C. ternatea has many components which need investigation. But those that have been are proving to be effective worldwide.

Uses of Clitoria Ternatia in cuisines across the world

White rice is commonly coloured with blue pea flowers in Malaysia. The juice from the flower is extracted and added to the rice while cooking.

The blue pea flowers are dipped in batter and fried in Burmese cooking.

In Thailand, a blue drink syrup is prepared from the blue pea flower extract. This drink is known as nam dok achan. Adding some lime to it, changes the colour from blue to purple. Flowers are shredded and added to rice salad as well. Blue pea flower teas are prepared as blue tea or purple teas. The blue concentrate when added to hair products contributes to healthy hair growth.

In India (Kerala) and Philippines, people eat the plant specifically young shoots, pods, flowers, and leaves as a vegetable. This plays a therapeutic role in human health.

About Author

Pallavi Pinge is a Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian | Content Director & Editor for health websites | has a passion for digital health and enjoys promoting health and wellness. She’s the founder and director of Ambrosia Wellness, where she provides personalized nutrition counseling, education, and coaching to individuals with various health conditions.  You can follow her on her social media channels below to stay tuned in with the latest in health and wellness | Health Blog | Contact her for appointments |