Aparajita
About
Perennial twining climber; leaflets 5-7, ovate-oblong; flowers solitary, axillary, papilionaceous, blue or white; pods flat, linear, beaked; roots woody, branched, yellowish-brown.
Botanical name: Clitoria ternatea. Also known as: Girikarnika, Vishnukranta, Butterfly Pea, Blue Pea, Gokarna, Aparajita, Asphota, Girikarni, Sphota, Navamallika), Asian Pigeonwings, Bluebellvine, Cordofan Pea, Darwin Pea, Shankhupushpam, Bunga Biru, Kembang Telang, Die Dou, Hu Die Hua Dou, Kala Aparajita.
Properties
Acetylcholinesterase inhibition for cognitive enhancement, Systemic antioxidant via DPPH radical scavenging, Anti-inflammatory through COX-2 enzyme suppression, GABAergic signaling modulation for anxiolysis, Immunomodulatory regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines
Dosage
Churna: 1-3g; Swarasa: 10-20ml
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Katu, Tikta, Kashaya
- Virya: Sheeta
- Vipaka: Katu
Benefits
- Clinical evidence for Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) primarily focuses on acute metabolic health
- These studies also highlight a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity, likely due to high anthocyanin content
- Medhya
- Chakshushya
- Vishaghna
Traditional uses
- Unmada
- Apasmara
- Shotha
- Kustha
- Mutrakrichra
Dosha effects
- vata: aggravating
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Aparajita Churna: Standard preparation as per API.
- Mishraka Sneha: Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy (potential uterine stimulant)
- Active diarrhea or dysentery
- Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding)
- Acute dehydration
- Hypersensitivity to Fabaceae family
Side effects
- Seeds and root bark contain purgative resins; excessive ingestion may cause severe nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal distress.
Interactions
- Antidiabetic medications (additive hypoglycemic effect)
- Antihypertensive drugs (potential synergistic hypotension)
- Diuretics (increased risk of electrolyte depletion)
- CNS depressants (may enhance sedative effects)
- Anticoagulants (theoretical platelet inhibition)
Active compounds
- Ternatins
- Quercetin glycosides
- Taraxerol
- Kaempferol
- Finotin
Clinical evidence
Clinical evidence for Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) primarily focuses on acute metabolic health. Randomized crossover trials (PMID: 29853955, PMID: 30308247, PMID: 26250417) consistently demonstrate that flower extracts improve postprandial glycemic control and insulin sensitivity when consumed with carbohydrates. These studies also highlight a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity, likely due to high anthocyanin content. While results are statistically significant across healthy and diabetic cohorts, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes (N=15) and a lack of long-term longitudinal data.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Medhya
- Chakshushya
- Vishaghna
- Kanthya
- Shirovirechana
Classical clinical indications
- Unmada
- Apasmara
- Shotha
- Kustha
- Mutrakrichra
Frequently asked questions
What is Aparajita?
Perennial twining climber; leaflets 5-7, ovate-oblong; flowers solitary, axillary, papilionaceous, blue or white; pods flat, linear, beaked; roots woody, branched, yellowish-brown.
What are the benefits of Aparajita?
Clinical evidence for Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea) primarily focuses on acute metabolic health. These studies also highlight a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity, likely due to high anthocyanin content. Medhya
How is Aparajita used in Ayurveda?
Aparajita Churna: Standard preparation as per API.
Published by herbs.directory