Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Organic Butterfly Pea Powder

Also known as: Clitoria ternatea, Butterfly Pea Flower, Blue Pea

Overview

Clitoria ternatea, commonly known as the butterfly pea flower, is a tropical plant native to Asia, characterized by its vibrant blue flowers and high anthocyanin content. Traditionally used in herbal medicine and as a natural food coloring, it has recently garnered attention for its potential in intelligent packaging due to its pH-sensitive color change properties. The plant's flowers are rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants. Research on Clitoria ternatea is still emerging, particularly in food technology and animal nutrition. While systematic reviews exist on its applications, more rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand its health benefits. It is available primarily as a powder or extract.

Benefits

The primary benefits of Clitoria ternatea are related to its antioxidant properties and potential improvements in digestibility, primarily observed in animal studies. Supplementation with Clitoria ternatea extract has shown improved apparent digestibility of organic matter and ether extract in rabbits. The anthocyanins present in the flower exhibit antioxidant effects, which can delay lipid peroxidation. Additionally, supplementation can modify meat color and potentially enhance shelf life by reducing lipid peroxidation. However, most of the established benefits are in animal nutrition, and more human studies are needed to confirm these effects in humans.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action of Clitoria ternatea is attributed to its high anthocyanin content, which acts as an antioxidant. Anthocyanins are believed to influence oxidative stress pathways within the body. While the exact molecular targets are not well-defined for human health benefits, it is thought that Clitoria ternatea interacts with the digestive and antioxidant systems. Limited studies are available on the absorption and bioavailability of anthocyanins from butterfly pea flower, particularly in humans, which makes it difficult to fully elucidate its mechanism of action.

Side effects

Clitoria ternatea is generally considered safe, but comprehensive human safety data are lacking. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well-documented. Potential interactions with other antioxidants or medications are speculative. There are no established contraindications. Limited data are available on its use in pregnant women, children, or individuals with chronic conditions. More research is needed to confirm the long-term safety of Clitoria ternatea in humans. Individuals should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before using this supplement, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Dosage

Currently, there is no established minimum effective dose, optimal dosage range, or maximum safe dose for Clitoria ternatea in humans. Timing considerations for consumption are also not established. It is typically used as a powder or extract. Bioavailability may vary based on extraction methods and formulation. There are no established required cofactors. Due to the limited human data, it is crucial to approach Clitoria ternatea supplementation with caution and await further research to determine appropriate dosing guidelines.

FAQs

Is Clitoria ternatea safe?

It is generally considered safe, but more research is needed to confirm long-term safety in humans. Consult with a healthcare professional before use.

When should I take Clitoria ternatea?

No specific guidelines are available regarding the timing and administration of Clitoria ternatea. More research is needed.

What are the expected results from taking Clitoria ternatea?

Potential antioxidant and digestive benefits have been observed, but more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.

Is Clitoria ternatea the same as other herbal supplements?

It is often confused with other herbal supplements due to its traditional use. Always verify the scientific name to ensure you are using the correct supplement.

Research Sources

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/15/11/2541 – This systematic review highlights the potential of Clitoria ternatea in intelligent packaging due to its pH-sensitive color change properties. The review provides a comprehensive overview of current applications in food technology and animal nutrition, but it has a limited focus on human health benefits. The study assesses the current applications of the plant, providing a foundation for further research.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37299340/ – This experimental study on rabbits found that supplementation with Clitoria ternatea extract improved digestibility and delayed lipid peroxidation in rabbit meat. The study provides evidence for the plant's potential benefits in animal nutrition, but it is not directly applicable to humans. The well-designed animal study showed statistically significant results, indicating improved digestibility.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10967615/ – This study explores the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of anthocyanins from butterfly pea flower. While the study provides insights into the bioavailability of anthocyanins, it lacks specific details on the study design. The research contributes to understanding how the body processes the beneficial compounds in the plant.
https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/10/1485 – This research investigates the use of butterfly pea flower extract as a natural food colorant and its potential health benefits. The study highlights the antioxidant properties of the extract and its stability under different conditions. The findings support the traditional use of butterfly pea flower as a natural colorant with potential health-promoting properties.
https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/opag-2022-0135/html – This study examines the effects of Clitoria ternatea on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens. The results indicate that supplementation with butterfly pea flower can improve growth parameters and enhance meat quality. The research provides further evidence for the potential benefits of Clitoria ternatea in animal nutrition.