Butterfly Pea

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) is a tropical vine whose vivid blue flowers are used as a food coloring, herbal tea, and supplement ingredient marketed for cognition and mood.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Postprandial blood sugar

Mixed Evidence

Small human studies suggest modest reductions in postprandial glucose with butterfly pea tea; evidence is preliminary.

Cognitive support

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies suggest cognitive and mood effects; human data are limited.

How it works

The flowers contain anthocyanins (ternatins), flavonoids, and saponins. Preclinical studies suggest acetylcholinesterase inhibition, anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects, and antioxidant activity. The intense blue color is due to ternatins, which shift color with pH. Clinical evidence is preliminary. A few small human studies suggest possible effects on postprandial glucose and cognition. Most use is culinary or traditional.

Dosage

DSLD does not list a single standardized dose. Most supplements supply 200-500 mg of flower extract per day. Culinary use of tea varies.

When and how to take it

Often taken as a beverage at any time. Supplement extracts are typically taken with meals.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Dried flower tea

Used as a beverage and culinary color.

Provides anthocyanins in infusion

Standardized flower extract

Used in cognitive and mood supplements.

Standardized to anthocyanins or ternatins

Safety

Generally well tolerated at food and supplement amounts. Mild GI upset occasionally reported. Long-term high-dose safety has not been thoroughly studied.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to limited data. Use cautiously with diabetes medications and anticoagulants.

Interactions

Possible additive effects with diabetes and anticoagulant medications. No major drug interactions documented.

Frequently asked questions

Is butterfly pea the same as Shankhpushpi?⌄

Some Ayurvedic traditions use "Shankhpushpi" for Clitoria ternatea, while others use it for Convolvulus pluricaulis. Check the botanical name on the label.

Why does my tea change color?⌄

Anthocyanins are pH-sensitive. Adding lemon turns the tea purple or pink because of the acidic environment.

References

Butterfly Pea on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Butterfly Pea on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Butterfly Pea (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.