Abstract

IMPORTANCE OF APARAJEETA (CLITORIA TERNATEA LINN): A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Komal Gautam Kirte*

ABSTRACT

Aparajeeta Clitoria ternatea (L.) native to tropical Asia is a perennial, twining herbal medicinal plant, has a long tradition of use as a memory enhancer and anxiolytic agent. Various constituents are found in different parts of the plant. The active chemical constituents reported from this plant are tannins, resins, starch, taraxerol, taraxerone, alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, proteins, anthocyanins and carbohydrates. In traditional medicine, the plant is also used in treatment of jaundice, migraine, throat, eye infections, skin diseases, asthma, swollen joints, ear-ache, eruptions, fever, urinary tract infections, constipation, snake-bites, head-ache, indigestion, leprosy and central nervous system disorders. It has pharmacological activities such as nootropic, anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, sedative, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-stress, immunomodulatory, larvicidal, proteolytic, antihelmintic, diuretic, anti-microbial and memory enhancing. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature as per Ayurveda and its pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and its traditional uses along with special emphasis given on pharmacological activities.

Keywords: Aparajeeta, Clitoria ternatea, pharmacological importance, Medhya etc.