The butterfly pea flower, known scientifically as Clitoria ternatea, is a plant native to Southeast Asia, gaining attention for its striking, vibrant blue hue. It has long been a traditional ingredient, valued for both its color and its health properties. The growing interest in natural food colorants and plant-based wellness remedies has brought this flower into the spotlight. It is now commonly consumed as a tea, a natural food coloring, and a supplement. Exploring the evidence behind the traditional and modern claims about this flower is necessary to determine its place in a healthful diet.
Botanical Identity and Active Compounds
Clitoria ternatea is a perennial plant native to equatorial Asia, used in traditional systems such as Ayurveda for centuries to address ailments like stress and memory issues. The flower’s deep blue color is attributed to a unique and highly concentrated group of pigments called ternatin anthocyanins. These compounds are a specific type of flavonoid, recognized for their potent antioxidant capabilities. The ternatins possess a distinct chemical structure that makes them notably more stable than anthocyanins found in many other plants, helping the color and the compounds persist through processing and digestion. Beyond the ternatins, the flower also contains other beneficial compounds, including quercetin glycosides and various phenolic acids.
Documented Physiological Effects
The primary health benefits attributed to the butterfly pea flower stem directly from its high concentration of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Cognitive Effects
The traditional use of the flower as a nootropic, or cognitive enhancer, is supported by some preliminary research. Animal studies indicate that extracts may help boost levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and overall brain function. While these findings suggest a potential role in supporting cognitive function, more robust human trials are needed to confirm a memory-enhancing effect.
Anti-inflammatory Action
The flower’s anti-inflammatory action is a direct result of its anthocyanin content, which helps modulate specific inflammatory pathways in the body. These compounds work by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and reducing the activity of proteins that signal inflammation. This internal defense mechanism contributes to the flower’s benefits for skin and hair health by mitigating oxidative stress. The high antioxidant capacity helps combat free radical damage, which is a factor in premature aging and collagen degradation.
Metabolic Impact
Limited research also exists regarding the flower’s metabolic impact. A small human clinical study found that consuming the flower extract with a high-fat meal helped reduce postprandial lipemia, the temporary spike in blood fats after eating. This effect suggests a potential role in improving lipid metabolism and reducing the cardiovascular risk associated with high-fat diets. Furthermore, test-tube and animal studies suggest that the extract may slow the absorption of glucose and inhibit the formation of fat cells, pointing toward potential antidiabetic and anti-obesity properties.
Preparation Methods and Safety Considerations
The butterfly pea flower is most often consumed as a vibrant blue herbal infusion, made by steeping the dried or fresh petals in hot water. This beverage is known for its dramatic color-changing property when mixed with an acid, such as lemon or lime juice. The acid lowers the pH, causing the blue ternatin anthocyanins to shift their chemical structure, resulting in a change to a deep purple or pink hue. The flower is also available as a fine powder, easily mixed into smoothies, yogurt, or used as a natural colorant. For most individuals, consumption of the flower as tea or a food additive is generally recognized as safe. Side effects are rare but may include mild digestive upset, such as nausea or stomach discomfort, typically when consumed in very large quantities. Individuals with existing health conditions or those taking prescription medication should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating concentrated supplements.