The Multifaceted Clitoria ternatea (Aparajita): A Review of Its Phytochemistry, Medicinal Uses and Commercial Applications

Clitoria ternatea Linn., (aparajita/shankapushpi; family Fabaceae), is a traditional medicinal plant with diverse applications - both medicinal and commercial. It is a perennial twinning herb with prominent flowers. The multifaceted plant is native to tropical Asia. The aim of this review is to provide in-depth information on the phytochemistry along with commercial and medicinal uses of C. ternatea. Exhaustive review of available literature was carried out to compile and critically evaluate scientific information available on the plant. According to available literature, the plant possesses diverse health benefits. Traditionally it is used as an antidote for snake and scorpion bite, memory enhancer and anxiolytic agent and it shows various pharmacological activities that includes antidepressant, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, analgesic etc. The activities are attributed to the presence of varied constituents predominantly the unique acylated anthocyanins – ternatins, cyclotides, phenolic compounds etc. Commercially it is valued as a natural dye and food colorant because of the acylated anthocyanins in it. This plant has marked antioxidant and antiaging properties and hence it is gaining popularity in formulating cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. It is also used for protecting crops in agrotechnology. This review highlights the numerous medicinal properties, commercial uses, as well as its phytochemical investigation prove multifaceted potential of this plant. Further directions for developing the plant and its products as effective and stable medicine, nutraceutical and cosmeceuticals are also suggested.