What is Butterfly Pea Flower?

Bloomiingmushrooms
Sep 20, 2023
4 min read

In the colorful world of botanicals, few plants are as captivating as the Butterfly Pea Flower

(scientifically known as Clitoria ternatea). With its stunning blue petals and remarkable versatility, this flower has captured the attention of herbal enthusiasts, chefs, and health-conscious individuals worldwide. But what exactly is Butterfly Pea Flower, and why is it gaining so much popularity?

Where does the Butterfly Pea flower come from?

Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria ternatea), sometimes called the Asian Pigeonwings or Blue Matcha, is a flowering plant native to several regions across Asia. It originates in countries such as India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The plant has a history in traditional Chinese medicine, where it has been used for its potential health benefits, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Where Does it Grow?

Butterfly Pea Flower is a climbing vine that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It is well-suited to regions with warm temperatures and high humidity. These plants prefer well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils, often growing along riverbanks and open fields. In its natural habitat, the Butterfly Pea Flower typically produces its beautiful, distinctive blue or purple blossoms during the warm, sunny months. Once harvested, the flowers are used in various culinary and wellness applications, including teas, herbal remedies, and vibrant food colorings. Butterfly Pea Flower's rich cultural history and diverse uses have made it a beloved and iconic botanical in many Asian cultures.

Butterfly Pea Flower Health Benefits

Skin Benefits:

In the article, researchers evaluated the possibility of using extracts from three Ayurvedic plants to treat skin diseases. They also found that the extracts were cytoprotective, protecting skin cells from damage. One of the Ayurvedic plants that the researchers evaluated was Clitoria ternatea commonly known as butterfly pea. The researchers found that butterfly pea extract had several potential benefits for skin health, including:

Antioxidant protection: Butterfly pea extract is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to skin aging.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Butterfly pea extract has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that it could help reduce skin inflammation, which is a common feature of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Anti-aging properties: Butterfly pea extract may also help to protect the skin from damage and aging caused by the sun. It contains compounds that can help to absorb UV radiation and reduce the production of collagen-degrading enzymes.

Fat Loss:

In the article, researchers evaluated the effects of butterfly pea flower petal extract on adipogenesis, the process by which fat cells are formed, in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, a cell line that can be differentiated into fat cells. They found butterfly pea flower petal extract significantly inhibited adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. This suggests that butterfly pea flower petal extract could be a potential anti-obesity agent.

The researchers also found that butterfly pea flower petal extract increased the expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a protein involved in burning calories. This suggests that butterfly pea flower petal extract may also help to promote weight loss by increasing energy expenditure. The research indicates that butterfly pea flower petal extract has potential anti-obesity effects.

Stabilizes blood sugar levels:

In the article, researchers evaluated the effects of a butterfly pea flower beverage on blood sugar levels and antioxidant capacity in healthy subjects. They found that the butterfly pea flower beverage significantly reduced blood sugar levels and increased antioxidant capacity after a meal.

The researchers recruited 15 healthy subjects for the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive a butterfly pea flower or a placebo beverage before a meal. The butterfly pea flower beverage was steeping dried butterfly pea flowers in hot water for 15 minutes. The placebo beverage was soaking dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for 15 minutes.

The subjects' blood sugar levels and antioxidant capacity were measured before and after the meal. The researchers found that the subjects who received the butterfly pea flower beverage had significantly lower blood sugar levels and significantly higher antioxidant capacity after the meal than those who received the placebo beverage.

The researchers concluded that the butterfly pea flower beverage has potential anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of the butterfly pea flower beverage on blood sugar control and antioxidant capacity.

Natural food coloring

One of the most popular culinary uses of Butterfly Pea Flower is as a natural food coloring. Its vibrant blue hue can transform various dishes and beverages into visually stunning creations. From blue cocktails to blue-hued rice and desserts, this natural coloring agent is a healthier alternative to synthetic food dyes.

How to use Butterfly Pea Flower

One of the most famous applications of Butterfly Pea Flower is in making blue tea, also known as "bluechai" or "butterfly pea tea." The petals are steeped in hot water, resulting in a beautiful blue infusion. Interestingly, when exposed to acidic substances like lemon or lime juice, the tea changes color, turning from blue to purple or pink. This color-changing property adds an element of fun to the tea-drinking experience. It also goes well when mixed with milk or coffee. You can also make blue iced cubes popsicles or mix them in your cocktails.

Intriguing in appearance, steeped in tradition, and loaded with potential health benefits, the Butterfly Pea Flower is more than just a pretty face in botanicals. Its versatility in both culinary and wellness applications makes it a standout ingredient for those looking to add a touch of elegance, culture, and health-consciousness to their lives.