The Butterfly Pea Flower, deeply rooted in the cultural and medicinal history of Southeast Asia and India, is not only celebrated for its striking blue hue but also for its extensive healing properties. This flower, integral to traditional practices, has transcended its origins to emerge as a globally recognized symbol of natural health. This blog explores its cognitive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antioxidant benefits, along with its potential as an eco-friendly insecticide and antimicrobial agent.
Cognitive improvement
Research shows that extracts from the Butterfly Pea Flower significantly improve memory and cognitive function. In studies, these extracts helped reduce memory loss and enhanced learning ability, even reversing memory damage caused by conditions like diabetes. They work by increasing levels of acetylcholine, a key brain chemical for memory and learning, and improving brain health markers like reduced oxidative stress and better cell maintenance. In essence, Butterfly Pea Flower offers a natural boost to brain health, aiding in memory retention and cognitive performance.
Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antipyretic improvement
Butterfly Pea Flower, particularly from its roots and leaves, have shown promise in reducing inflammation, pain, and fever. Studies indicate that these extracts can significantly decrease swelling and increase pain tolerance, similar to some common pain relievers like diclofenac and paracetamol. Their effectiveness in reducing body temperature during fever has also been noted, offering a natural alternative for managing these common ailments.
Antidiabetic
Recent studies have shown that Butterfly Pea Flower leaf extracts may be beneficial for diabetes management. Additionally, human trials indicated that the flower extracts could suppress blood sugar and insulin spikes after sugar consumption, while also enhancing antioxidant levels in the body. This suggests potential for Butterfly Pea Flower as a natural aid in controlling blood sugar and enhancing overall health.
Antioxidant Properties
Butterfly Pea Flower extracts are great antioxidants, meaning they protect cells from harmful reactions that can damage them. Studies show these extracts can stop fats and proteins in cells from being damaged and increase glutathione, an important cell-protecting substance. Specifically, they reduced lipid and protein oxidation in cells and increased levels of glutathione, a key antioxidant. Another study showed these extracts can be used in advanced health products. This research highlights Butterfly Pea Flower's role in keeping cells healthy and preventing damage, emphasizing its importance for overall health.
Anthelmintic properties
Butterfly Pea Flower has shown potential as a natural remedy against parasitic worms. Research indicates that its extracts can prevent certain worm eggs from hatching and can kill worm larvae. In tests, these extracts caused paralysis and death in worms, although more slowly than some standard worm treatments. This suggests Butterfly Pea Flower could be a useful natural alternative for dealing with parasitic worms.
Antimicrobial properties
Butterfly Pea Flower extracts have strong antimicrobial properties. They can fight a range of plant and human fungal pathogens, as well as certain bacteria. These extracts are effective against various bacterial species, including those causing serious infections. Additionally, they show antifungal effects, inhibiting the growth of harmful fungi and supporting the health of plants. This makes the extracts a promising natural option for combating microbial infections.
Eco-friendly insecticide
Butterfly Pea Flower contains proteins that can act as natural insect repellents. Research shows that these proteins cause high mortality in certain insect larvae, making them effective for pest control. Studies also found that these extracts can slow down the growth of other insect larvae, and when used on crops, they decrease the number of eggs and feeding larvae without harming beneficial insects. This suggests Butterfly Pea Flower could be used to develop eco-friendly insecticides.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2019.00645/full#B84
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874116304998
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1439-037x.1999.00275.x
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268005X1630282X
https://www.cabdirect.org/globalhealth/abstract/20143113720
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874117340771
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-017-2075-7
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0034528814002379
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1076/1388-0209(200001)3811-BFT051
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3895294/
https://ijpp.com/IJPP%20archives/2001_45_3/305-313.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091305703001308