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Butterfly Pea

Also known as: Shankapushi, Shankapushpi, Butterfly Pea, Clitoria Ternatea

Overview

Butterfly Pea is a subtle brain boosting herb from Ayurveda known as Shanka Pushpi that has mechanisms and traditional usage similar to Bacopa Monnieri but, unlike Bacopa, does not currently have any human interventions to test its efficacy.

Benefits

Clitoria ternatea is one of four herbs traditionally used as Shanka Pushpi, an Ayurvedic medicine used to promote neurological health. It shows promise in animal models for its memory enhancing effects, and has a wide spectrum of neurological benefits (anti-depression, anxiolytic, anti-pyretic) yet for these latter claims preliminary evidence suggests it isn't overly potent. Some other preliminary evidence suggests that it might be healthy for the liver and circulating lipoproteins, as well as a possible benefit diabetics by inhibiting glucose uptake from the diet. However, these claims are much too early to guess their practical relevance on. Toxicological studies on rodents and historical usage (partially confounded with the three other herbs) suggest that Clitoria ternatea is safe, but limited evidence exists currently.

How it works

Butterfly Pea shows promise for its memory enhancing effects and has a wide spectrum of neurological benefits including anti-depression, anxiolytic, and anti-pyretic effects. Preliminary evidence suggests it might be healthy for the liver and circulating lipoproteins, and may benefit diabetics by inhibiting glucose uptake from the diet.

Side effects

Due to lack of human interventions, an accurate or best human dose is hard to estimate. Currently, usage of a blend called Perment uses Clitoria Ternatea at 125mg but in conjunction with other herbals. If using Clitoria, doses may fluctuate around this dosage range and perhaps up to 250mg in isolation.

Dosage

Toxicological studies on rodents suggest that Clitoria ternatea is safe, but limited evidence exists currently regarding side effects, safety concerns, and contraindications.