Botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and application of Clitoria ternatea L.: a review

Clitoria ternatea L. (Fabaceae) is a leguminous plant with a long history of medicinal use and multifaceted applications, widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. In traditional medicine, particularly within the Ayurvedic system, C. ternatea has been employed to treat various ailments such as diabetes, cognitive impairment, and respiratory disorders. With advancing research into its chemical composition and pharmacological activity, C. ternatea has been found to possess a rich array of bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, lignans, and triterpenoids. It exhibits diverse pharmacological effects such as hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties, memory enhancement, antibacterial and insecticidal action, anti-inflammatory effects, cough suppression, and antitumor activity. Moreover, C. ternatea demonstrates broad application prospects across agriculture, cosmetics, food additives, and pesticides. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the plant's botanical characteristics, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and practical applications, thereby offering a reference framework for subsequent in-depth research and comprehensive development.