Dr. Grey AI

Butterfly Pea

Clitoria ternatea is an Ayurvedic nootropic herb (one of four 'Shanka Pushpi' herbs) traditionally used for cognitive enhancement. The vibrant blue flowers contain anthocyanins (ternatin), while roots contain triterpenoids (taraxerol) and flavonoids. Animal studies show memory-enhancing, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects comparable to some reference drugs. Mechanism involves acetylcholinesterase inhibition and increased brain antioxidants. However, NO human clinical trials exist for cognitive benefits. Recently popular as blue tea/food coloring.

Quick Answer

What it is

Clitoria ternatea is an Ayurvedic nootropic herb (one of four 'Shanka Pushpi' herbs) traditionally used for cognitive enhancement. The vibrant blue flowers contain anthocyanins (ternatin), while roots contain triterpenoids (taraxerol) and flavonoids.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Cognitive Function & Memory
  • Grade D: Anxiety
  • Grade D: Blood Glucose

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Butterfly Pea

Quick Facts: Butterfly Pea

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D4
3 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Cognitive Function & Memory
In rodent models, Clitoria ternatea root extract (100-300mg/kg) improved memory and learning in passive avoidance and Y-maze tests, with some studies reporting effects comparable to piracetam or Bacopa monnieri. The mechanism is attributed to acetylcholinesterase inhibition leading to increased acetylcholine levels, a well-characterized nootropic pathway. No human clinical trials exist.
moderate↑Improves
D
Anxiety
In rodent models, Clitoria ternatea root extracts showed anxiolytic activity in elevated plus maze and light-dark box tests, with effects comparable to low-dose diazepam but without motor impairment. The proposed mechanism involves GABA-A receptor modulation, but no human trials have been conducted.
small↓Improves
D
Blood Glucose
In vitro, Clitoria ternatea flower extracts inhibit α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. In diabetic rat models, the extracts reduced blood glucose levels, suggesting potential to slow carbohydrate absorption. No human trials exist.
small↓Improves
D
Depression
In mouse models, Clitoria ternatea extracts showed antidepressant-like effects in forced swim test and tail suspension test paradigms. The mechanism may involve modulation of monoamine neurotransmitters, but evidence is limited to basic behavioral screens with no human data.
small↓Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
Ternatins (anthocyanins unique to Clitoria ternatea) demonstrate strong antioxidant activity in cell-free assays. In rodent models, treatment increased brain antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, catalase), which may contribute to neuroprotective effects. Evidence is limited to in vitro and animal studies.
small↑Improves

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