Clitoria ternatea
Clitoria ternatea · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (7 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Clitoria ternatea is a versatile plant utilized in various preparations, including floral extracts, plant extracts, and traditional medhya rasayana. Every part of the species, such as the flower, leaf, seed, and root, contains bioactive chemicals like anthocyanins and clitorin. These components provide significant health benefits, including antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Research suggests that plant extracts may help manage conditions like Alzheimer's disease and depression by acting as an antidepressant. Furthermore, the plant shows potential in regulating blood glucose through its role as an aldose-reductase inhibitor.
- Synonyms
- Lathyrus Spectabilis · Nauchea Ternatea · 28 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Flower · Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Clitoria ternatea is a versatile plant recognized by a wide variety of regional and descriptive monikers. It is most famously known in English-speaking regions as the Blue Pea. In different cultural contexts, it is also referred to by the names Blomchi di Koholoshi and Blonchi di Cocolishi. Some also utilize the variation Bonchi di Cocolishi to identify this striking species. Additionally, it is widely recognized by the common name Asian Pigeonwings.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Clitoria ternatea is a diverse botanical species that has been identified under various scientific names throughout history. Researchers have documented several synonyms for this plant, including Clitoria albiflora and Clitoria bracteata. The taxonomic complexity continues with recognized classifications such as Clitoria mearnsii and Clitoria parviflora. Additionally, the name Clitoria philippensis has been utilized to describe variations within this specific group. Understanding these various synonyms is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Clitoria ternatea belongs to the vast kingdom Plantae, representing the diverse life found within the plant world. This species is categorized under the class Equisetopsida, placing it among the major flowering plants. Within this group, it is classified under the order Fabales and the specific family Fabaceae. Further narrowing its identity, the plant is a member of the genus Clitoria. Together, these taxonomic relationships define the unique biological standing of this distinctive organism.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Clitoria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Clitoria ternatea exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning several distinct regions across the African continent. This species is widely distributed throughout East Tropical Africa, with established populations found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Beyond the mainland, its presence extends into the Macaronesia island groups. Specifically, the plant can be located within the Canary Islands as well as the Cape Verde archipelago. Such a broad distribution highlights the plant's ability to thrive in various tropical and Atlantic environments.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Clitoria ternatea is a versatile herb characterized by its distinct growth patterns. This plant features an obligatory climbing habit, meaning it relies on external support to ascend. Depending on its environment and support, it can reach a minimum height of 0.44 meters. While many specimens thrive at a height of 2.5 meters, others may grow even taller. Ultimately, this climbing species can achieve a maximum height of 5 meters.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Clitoria ternatea is a versatile medicinal plant that demonstrates a wide range of therapeutic activities across various biological systems. Research highlights its potent antioxidant properties, which help prevent oxidative damage in both leaves and flowers. The plant also exhibits significant neuroprotective and nootropic effects, showing promise in enhancing memory and alleviating the progression of neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, its hepatoprotective qualities have been proven to defend the liver against chemical-induced toxicity. Beyond internal health, Clitoria ternatea has also demonstrated effective pediculicide activity, making it a useful component in herbal treatments for head lice.
Compounds
Clitoria ternatea is a versatile medicinal herb renowned for its diverse and potent phytochemical composition. The plant's flowers are particularly noted for containing high abundances of anthocyanins, which provide their characteristic blue pigment and significant antioxidant properties. In addition to these pigments, the plant is rich in flavonoids that contribute to its overall therapeutic and antioxidant potential. Research also highlights the presence of clitorin, a key bioactive compound that shows promise in medicinal applications, including potential anti-Alzheimer activity. Together, these diverse chemical constituents underscore the significant agricultural and pharmacological value of this remarkable species.
Conditions
Clitoria ternatea exhibits significant therapeutic potential by serving as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease through the inhibiting properties of its phytochemicals like Clitorin. Research also indicates that this plant can effectively treat Gram-negative bacteria through the use of its potent cationic cyclotides. In studies involving obesity, Clitoria ternatea helps treat the Lee index (LI) when used in herbal beverage formulations. Furthermore, the plant plays a role in treating DPP4 activity through the modulation of hormonal regulation and lipid metabolism. These diverse biological activities highlight the multifaceted medicinal capabilities of Clitoria ternatea.
Preparations
Clitoria ternatea is prepared as an extract to provide neuroprotective benefits and mitigate hyperglycemia in diabetic models. This plant is also prepared as a floral extract to facilitate the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles for combating oral biofilms. In the context of Ayurvedic medicine, Clitoria ternatea is prepared as medhya rasayana to enhance brain function and reduce stress-induced injury. Additionally, researchers have utilized Clitoria ternatea as a plant extract to isolate the highly efficient peptide ligase butelase 1. Finally, Clitoria ternatea is prepared as seeds from which specific antifungal plant defensins can be isolated and characterized.
Parts used
Clitoria ternatea is a versatile medicinal plant and legume that offers various health benefits through its different biological components. Scientific research highlights the significant antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties found in its leaves and flowers. Furthermore, the plant's seeds have been studied for their antimicrobial proteins and potential as functional food ingredients. The roots also hold therapeutic promise, particularly as a prospective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases due to their unique phytochemical profile. Ultimately, every part of the plant, including the flowers, leaves, seeds, and roots, contributes to its diverse applications in traditional and modern medicine.