Clitoria ternatea: Perspectives on Its Application in Foods and Potential Health Benefits

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Abstract
In recent years, edible flowers have gained increasing attention as unconventional foods, primarily due to their richness in bioactive compounds. Within this context, Clitoria ternatea L. (Fabaceae), commonly known as butterfly pea, stands out not only for its remarkable biological properties but also for its intense blue pigmentation. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the plant’s potential in the food industry, highlighting its bioactive compounds, technological applications, and associated health benefits. Recent studies have demonstrated its antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, hepatoprotective, and anticancer activities, as well as its use as a natural colorant, functional ingredient, active packaging component, and in nutraceutical and cosmetic formulations. Despite these promising findings, most available evidence comes from preclinical studies, with limited clinical validation to date. Therefore, further human studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of the reported beneficial effects. Altogether, C. ternatea represents a promising natural resource for developing functional foods that meet the growing clean-label demand, fostering the incorporation of sustainable and natural ingredients.
Funding Information
  • Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (001)
  • Minas Gerais Research Foundation
  • Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
  • Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos

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