Organic Dried Butterfly Pea Flowers
Also known as: Clitoria ternatea L., Butterfly Pea Flower, Blue Pea Flower, Clitoria ternatea
Overview
Butterfly pea flower (*Clitoria ternatea*) is a plant native to tropical regions, recognized for its vibrant blue flowers and high anthocyanin content. Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants that contribute to the flower's potential health benefits. Traditionally, it has been used as a natural food coloring agent and in herbal teas. Emerging research explores its potential antioxidant and anti-obesity effects. The flower's key characteristic is its rich anthocyanin profile, which is responsible for its antioxidant properties. While studies show promise, particularly regarding antioxidant activity, more extensive human trials are needed to confirm its benefits and safety comprehensively. It is available in various forms, including dried flowers for tea, powders, and extracts for supplements.
Benefits
Butterfly pea flower exhibits several potential health benefits, primarily attributed to its high anthocyanin content. Studies indicate significant antioxidant properties, helping protect against oxidative stress. In vitro research suggests potential anti-obesity effects by inhibiting adipogenesis and enhancing lipolysis, although human trials are necessary to validate these findings. Anthocyanins, in general, have been associated with improved cardio-metabolic biomarkers. However, the evidence base is still emerging, and more research is needed to confirm these effects across diverse populations and establish the clinical significance and time course of these benefits. The current research quality is limited by the lack of large-scale human trials.
How it works
The anthocyanins present in butterfly pea flowers are believed to exert their antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress. Additionally, they may modulate metabolic pathways related to fat metabolism, potentially influencing fat cell formation and breakdown. While the specific molecular targets are not yet fully identified, the interaction with metabolic systems suggests a role in regulating fat cell activity. The bioavailability of anthocyanins from butterfly pea flowers is not well-studied, but generally, anthocyanins have variable absorption rates, which can affect their overall efficacy.
Side effects
Butterfly pea flower is generally considered safe when consumed in traditional amounts, such as in teas. However, comprehensive safety data, particularly regarding higher doses or long-term use, are limited. Common, uncommon, and rare side effects are not well-documented. There is a potential for interactions with medications metabolized by similar pathways as anthocyanins, but specific interactions have not been thoroughly studied. While no specific contraindications are identified, caution is advised for individuals with allergies to related plants. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult healthcare providers before use due to the limited data available for these populations. Further research is needed to fully assess the safety profile of butterfly pea flower extracts.
Dosage
Due to limited research, specific dosage recommendations for butterfly pea flower are not well-established. It is typically consumed as tea or in supplement form. Optimal dosage ranges and maximum safe doses have not been determined. There are no specific timing recommendations. Bioavailability may vary based on the preparation method and individual factors. No specific cofactors are required for its activity. Until more data are available, it is advisable to start with lower doses and monitor for any adverse effects. More research is needed to define effective and safe dosage guidelines.
FAQs
Is butterfly pea flower safe to consume?
Butterfly pea flower is generally considered safe in traditional amounts, like in teas. However, consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns or are taking medications.
When is the best time to consume butterfly pea flower?
There are no specific timing recommendations for consuming butterfly pea flower. It can be taken at any time of day, depending on personal preference.
What are the expected benefits of consuming butterfly pea flower?
Potential benefits include antioxidant effects and possible anti-obesity effects. However, more research, especially human trials, is needed to confirm these benefits.
Can butterfly pea flower help with weight loss?
In vitro studies suggest potential anti-obesity effects, but human trial evidence is lacking. It should not be relied upon as a primary weight loss solution without further research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10255602/ – This systematic review focuses on the use of butterfly pea flower extract in polymer matrix films for intelligent food packaging. It highlights the potential of butterfly pea flower anthocyanins as pH indicators, which can help monitor food freshness. The review provides a structured overview of existing research on packaging applications but does not directly address human health benefits.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9976213/ – This in silico and metabolite profiling study suggests potential antiobesity effects of butterfly pea flower metabolites through computational modeling. The study identifies potential mechanisms by which the flower's compounds may influence fat metabolism. While innovative, the findings require validation through human studies to confirm their clinical relevance.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/13/10/1485 – This study investigates the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of compounds in butterfly pea flowers, highlighting their antioxidant properties. The research provides insights into how well the anthocyanins from the flower can be absorbed and utilized by the body. However, the study is limited to bioaccessibility and bioavailability aspects and does not cover the full spectrum of potential health benefits.
- https://thejournal.sgu.ac.id/jffn/index.php/jffn/article/download/5/8 – This article explores the potential health benefits of butterfly pea flower, focusing on its traditional uses and emerging research. It highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the flower, as well as its potential role in improving cognitive function. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on butterfly pea flower and its potential applications.
- https://thenutritioninsider.com/wellness/butterfly-pea-flower/ – This article provides a general overview of butterfly pea flower, discussing its nutritional content and potential health benefits. It highlights the flower's high antioxidant content and its traditional uses in herbal medicine. The article also touches on the potential benefits for skin health and cognitive function, but emphasizes the need for further research to confirm these effects.
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