Aparajita

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Butterfly pea
Latin/Botanical	Clitoria ternatea L.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Anthocyanins (delphinidin-3,3’,5’-triglucosides - ternatin series)
• Cyclotides (ultra-stable macrocyclic peptides)
• Kaempferol glycosides
• Quercetin and myricetin glycosides
• Taraxerol and taraxerone (triterpenoids)
• Aparajitin (unique peptide)

How does it work?

• Nootropic and memory-enhancing effects via acetylcholinesterase inhibition and modulation of cholinergic neurotransmission
• Anti-inflammatory action through suppression of NF-kB pathway and interaction with SRC, ESR1, PI3KR1 protein targets
• Antioxidant activity via anthocyanin-mediated free radical scavenging and upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes
• Proposed anxiolytic effect through GABAergic modulation

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.

• Memory enhancer and nootropic (Medhya Rasayana): traditionally used to support memory and learning. Animal studies have reported improved memory and learning, with a cholinergic mechanism proposed.
• Anxiolytic and antidepressant (Unmada-nashaka): traditionally used for anxious and low mood states. Preclinical studies have reported anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects.
• Anti-diabetic (Pramehaghna): traditionally used for Prameha. In vivo studies have reported lower blood glucose and improved insulin sensitivity.
• Complexion enhancer and eye health (Varnya, Chakshushya): traditionally used for complexion and eye health.

What do recent studies show?

• Ahmed N, Tabassum N, Rashid PT and others 2024. Clitoria ternatea L. (Butterfly Pea) Flower Against Endometrial Pain: Integrating Preliminary In Vivo and In Vitro Experimentations Supported by Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies. Life (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 39598271 · doi:10.3390/life14111473
  Demonstrated 91.47% suppression of heat-induced hemolysis and 81.89% inhibition of paw edema at 400 mg/kg; molecular docking showed strong binding of flavylium, kaempferol, and quercetin to SRC, ESR1, and PI3KR1 targets.

Only studies that could be traced to a published paper are listed here. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Generally recognized as safe; widely consumed as herbal tea (butterfly pea tea) globally; no significant adverse effects reported at culinary doses
• Limited human clinical trial data (only 3 clinical studies identified as of 2025); caution advised during pregnancy due to traditional emmenagogue use; potential interactions with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs due to blood platelet aggregation inhibition

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (root/seed powder), Swarasa (flower juice), Capsule, Tablet, Phanta (flower infusion, blue tea), Taila (medicated oil), Nasya (nasal drops)

Standard Dosage: 2-5g root powder twice daily; 500mg-1g extract capsule; 10-20ml flower juice; blue tea infusion ad libitum

Optimal Timing: Morning on empty stomach for Medhya (cognitive) effects; blue tea anytime; root powder with warm milk at bedtime for Vata pacification

Storage: Protect from light and moisture (anthocyanins are photosensitive). Airtight containers, cool and dry, below 25°C. Nitrogen-flush packaging for flower powder.

Marker Compounds: Ternatin A1-D3 (anthocyanins), Taraxerol, Taraxerone, Kaempferol glycosides, Cliotide CT1-CT12 (cyclotides), Delphinidin-3,3’,5’-triglucoside, Aparajitin

Synergistic Combinations

• With Brahmi for Medhya (nootropic) action, classical combination
• With Shankhapushpi for memory enhancement
• With Vacha for cognitive support and speech disorders
• With Ashwagandha for anxiolytic synergy
• With Yashtimadhu for neuroprotection