Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Flowers of Clitoria ternatea (Butterfly Pea)
description: In recent years, many countries have witnessed a significant rise in the adoption of plant-based remedies, leading to a substantial increase in the global demand for herbal resources. This chapter explores Clitoria ternatea, a species with remarkable potential due to its bioactive constituents and diverse biological activities. Most of the unique secondary metabolites and their analogues identified in this plant are anthocyanins, including ternatins, preternatins, cyanidin, and delphinidin, along with phenolic acids, terpenoids, and phytosterols derived from the flowers. Altogether, 32 anthocyanins and 19 additional metabolites have been documented across various studies. Different extracts of C. ternatea have demonstrated a wide range of biological properties, notably antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities. To support young researchers investigating potential chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of cancer and other diseases, this chapter focuses on the biological functions of C. ternatea, with particular emphasis on its anticancer and antidiabetic benefits. 2026 Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy.
creator: Lamani, Shrinivas; Murthy, Hosakatte Niranjana
source: Bioactive Compounds in Edible Flowers;pp.63-101
publisher: CRC Press
date: 01-01-2026
rights: Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
relation: ISBN: 978-104058108-7; 978-104107986-6;
language: English
type: Book chapter
coverage: Lamani S., Department of Botany, DVS College of Arts and Science, Shimoga, 577201, India, Department of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580003, India; Murthy H.N., Department of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad, 580003, India, Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, 28644, South Korea, Department of Life Sciences, CHRIST University, Bengaluru, 560039, India