BUTTERFLY PEA HERBAL SUPPLEMENT
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Clitoria
Species: Clitoria ternatea
Common Names: Butterfly Pea, Blue Pea, Aparajita, Asian Pigeonwings, Cordofan Pea
Parts Used: Flowers (occasionally leaves and roots in traditional medicine)
Main Actions: Nootropic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic
Other Actions: Adaptogen, antimicrobial, antidepressant, memory enhancer, nervine tonic, skin and hair support
Description: Butterfly Pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a perennial climbing vine native to tropical Asia, now widely cultivated for its brilliant indigo-blue blossoms. Traditionally used in Ayurveda and Southeast Asian medicine, it is regarded as a rejuvenating herb for the mind and nervous system. The flowers are prized for their high concentration of anthocyanins, particularly ternatins, which give them their vivid blue color and potent antioxidant activity. Modern interest has grown around Butterfly Pea tea for its calming effects, mood balance, and support for cognitive health.
Tribal and Herbal Medicine Uses: In Ayurveda, Butterfly Pea (known as Aparajita, meaning “the undefeated one”) has been used as a medhya rasayana — a class of herbs that nourish the brain and intellect, improve memory, and calm the nervous system. In Southeast Asia, the flowers are used to make vibrant blue teas and tonics for relaxation, vision support, and general wellness. Folk traditions also use it for hair strengthening, as a topical skin soother, and for promoting spiritual clarity in meditation.
Plant Chemicals: Ternatins (anthocyanins), flavonols (kaempferol, quercetin), triterpenoids, saponins, alkaloids, anthocyanidins, cyclotides
Biological Activities and Clinical Research: Studies confirm Butterfly Pea’s strong antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties, supporting anti-aging and cellular protection. Animal and preliminary human research highlights nootropic and memory-enhancing effects, linked to modulation of acetylcholine levels. Extracts show anxiolytic and antidepressant activity, reducing stress markers and promoting calmness. Cyclotides demonstrate antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, while anthocyanins support cardiovascular and ocular health.
Current Practical Uses: Consumed as a tea, powder, or capsule to enhance memory, concentration, and mood balance; reduce anxiety and stress; provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support; and promote radiant skin and hair health.
Main Preparation Method: Dried flowers powdered into capsules, brewed as a vibrant herbal tea, or extracted into tinctures.
Main Actions (in order): Nootropic, antioxidant, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, adaptogen
Main Uses: Supporting memory and focus, calming the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress, protecting against oxidative stress, promoting skin and hair vitality, enhancing mood and overall brain health
Properties/Actions Documented by Research: Antioxidant, nootropic, anxiolytic, antidepressant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective
Other Properties/Actions Documented by Traditional Use: Hair tonic, vision enhancer, spiritual aid, general rejuvenative (rasayana)
Cautions: Generally safe and well tolerated. May lower blood pressure slightly; individuals with hypotension should monitor use. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
Traditional Preparation: Flowers steeped in hot water to make a calming blue tea; powder or tincture used as a brain tonic; topical pastes for skin and scalp applications.
Contraindications: Not recommended in pregnancy without medical advice due to limited safety data. Use cautiously in individuals with low blood pressure.
Drug Interactions: May enhance the effects of sedatives, anxiolytics, or antidepressants. Consult a healthcare provider if on psychiatric or cardiovascular medication.
Recommended Dosage: 1–2 capsules daily (400–500 mg each), or as directed by a healthcare provider. Teas and tinctures should be taken in recommended amounts per herbalist or manufacturer guidance.
Type of Capsule: Vegetarian capsules manufactured in cGMP-certified facilities using HPMC (Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) derived from trees.
GLUTEN FREE ~ VEGETARIAN/VEGAN ~ NON-GMO ~ KOSHER & HALAL CERTIFIED
500mg per capsule – 62 capsules