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Scientific Basis for the Therapeutic use of Clitoria ternatea linn.

(Aprajita): A Review Sanjeev Kumar

1, Abhishek Kumar

2 and Anil Kumar Singh

3 1,2

Phd Scholar, Department of Dravyaguna, I.M.S, B.H.U,Varanasi, India, 3Professor and Head, Department Of Dravyaguna, Faculty Of Ayurveda, I.M.S Bhu.

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present study was to investigate the therapeutic uses of Clitoria ternatea Linn..

Aparijita (Clitoria ternatea Linn.) (Fam. Fabaceae); a perennial climber with slender downy stem,

found throughout the tropical regions of the country being cultivated in gardens everywhere and

often also found growing over hedges and thickets. The herb has been mentioned in several

Ayurvedic treatises including Samhitas viz. Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Chakradatta,

Sharangdhar samhita, Bhaisajya-ratnavali Nighantus. Its efficacy and safety is supported by research

and thousands of years of knowledge and experience. Despite being such an old medicine, its new

benefits are constantly being studied. Aprajita is one of the most efficacious herbs known in

Ayurvedic pharmacopeia since vedic times. Hence here is an attempt to compile all the classical

references of Aprajita a wonder drug.

Keywords: Clitoria ternatea, Aparijita, Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Nighantu.

I. INTRODUCTION

In recent times, the use of herbal products has increased significantly. Aprajita is an important

medicinal plant that has been widely used therapeutically in the orient and is becoming increasingly

popular in the developing countries as well as in the west. Word ‘Aprajita’ is also used for ‘Aishani

disha’. In Shaunkiya Atharvaveda samhita ‘Aprajita’ term used for Vish-vaidya. In India, Aprajita is

largely treasured as a revitalizing herb used by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for almost 3000 years.

The herb has been mentioned in several Ayurvedic treatises including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta

Samhita. In addition to being a well-known antibacterial & antiinflammatory1,2

. Herb for centuries, it has

also been used as an anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antipyretic, analgesic, and antiemetic agent. The

ancient Ayurvedic sages, who were also great physicians, revealed Aprajita’s role in promoting Medhya

(intellect), chakshuya (eye tonic), svasa-kasa (respiratory system), shoolaghna (pain killer), vishaghna

(antipoisonous), Balya (strength, especially mind), etc. Over the centuries, the role of Aprajita in the

treatment of Kustha (leprosy/skin disorder), Asra-vikara (blood disorders), Kasa (cough), Visa (poison),

Sopha (edema), Jwara (fever), Unmada (insanity), and has been well described. Clitorea ternatea Linn.

belongs to family Fabaceae. Well known plant in the traditional medicine. The juice of the flowers is

reportedly used in insect bites and skin diseases, the paste of the flowers is applied to cure infections of

the eye, and entire plant is used as antidote for snake bites.3

Clitoria ternatea L. (CT) (Family: Fabaceae) commonly known as 'Butterfly pea', a traditional

Ayurvedic medicine, has been used for centuries as a memory enhancer, nootropic, antistress, anxiolytic,

antidepressant, anticonvulsant, tranquilizing and sedative agent. This plant has a long use in traditional

Ayurvedic medicine for several diseases and the scientific studies has reconfirmed those with modern

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA) Volume 02, Issue 04, [April

@IJAPSA-2016, All rights Reserved

relevance. Due to Aprajita’s widespread availability across the globe, it is often recognized by different

names in different regions and languages .Thus,

Blue Flower of Clitorea ternatea Linn.

II.

A reference is found in Atharveda about Aprajita, it has been described as rakshogna,

krityadushan,Yashasya and varchasva medicine in the pauplad branch of Atharveda.

samhita (P.S 20/20/6) word Aprajita used for V

Aprajita. Aprajita as Medhya (A.P. 18/1/15

and Paraskar grahya sutra (1/21).

Charak Samhita In Charaka Samhita it is explained under

mahakashay dravya, Sirovairechanik dhoom, Agruadi tail, Apasmar chi

Mahagandhahasti namak agad, Visha chikitsa.

Table 1:

S . No Formulation

1 Mulini dravya

2 Sirovirechanopag Mahakashay

3 Vayasthapan Mahakashay

4 Sirovairechanik Dhoom

5 Sirovairechanik dravya kalp sangrah

6 Agruadi Ttail

7 Dhoompan dravya

8 Nasya

9 Gandhahasti namak agad

10 Maha gandhahasti namak agad

11 Dhoompan dravya

12 Darvikar sarpdast chikitsa

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)Volume 02, Issue 04, [April - 2016] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p

2016, All rights Reserved

’s widespread availability across the globe, it is often recognized by different

names in different regions and languages .Thus, Aprajita has a lot to offer to the medical world.

Linn. White Flower of Clitorea ternatea

II. Classical Review of Aprajita


krityadushan,Yashasya and varchasva medicine in the pauplad branch of Atharveda.

word Aprajita used for Vishavaidya. Atharva parisist and other texts quote

Aprajita. Aprajita as Medhya (A.P. 18/1/15-17; 18/2/6; 32/1/13 ) Mentioned in Kausika Sutra (139/7

Samhita kala

In Charaka Samhita it is explained under Mulani dravya, Sirovirechanopag mahakashaya, Vayasthapana

mahakashay dravya, Sirovairechanik dhoom, Agruadi tail, Apasmar chikitsa, Gandhahasti namak agad,

isha chikitsa.4Table 1

Table 1: Showing Aprajita in Charak Samhita

Formulation Reference Page No

Mulini dravya C. Su. 1/78 43

Sirovirechanopag Mahakashay C. Su. 4/27 86

Vayasthapan Mahakashay C. Su. 4/50 98

Sirovairechanik Dhoom C. Su. 5/26 117

Sirovairechanik dravya kalp sangrah C. Su. 8/151 794

Agruadi Ttail C. Ci.3/267 160

Dhoompan dravya C. Ci.9/73 323

C. Ci.10/42 335

Gandhahasti namak agad C. Ci.23/71 637

Maha gandhahasti namak agad C. Ci.23/78 638

Dhoompan dravya C. Ci.23/100 640

Darvikar sarpdast chikitsa C. Ci.23/195 659

International Journal of Applied and Pure Science and Agriculture (IJAPSA)

5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

Page 181

’s widespread availability across the globe, it is often recognized by different

has a lot to offer to the medical world.

Clitorea ternatea Linn.


krityadushan,Yashasya and varchasva medicine in the pauplad branch of Atharveda. In the pauplad

and other texts quote

entioned in Kausika Sutra (139/7)

Sirovirechanopag mahakashaya, Vayasthapana

kitsa, Gandhahasti namak agad,

Page No


Volume 02, Issue 04, [April - 2016] e-ISSN: 2394-5532, p-ISSN: 2394-823X

@IJAPSA-2016, All rights Reserved Page 182

Sushruta Samhita In Sushruta samhita Aprajita explained as urdhvabhaghar dravya, vamak dravya, medya yoga,

vishaghna dravya, etc.5 Table 2

Table 2: Showing Aprajita in Sushruta samhita

S . No Formulation Reference Volume & Page No

1 Urdhvabhaghara dravya S.Su 39/3 I & 368

2 Kaval dharniya dravya S.Ci. 22/63 II & 482

3 Medhya yoga S.Sa 10/69 II & 242

4 Vishagna Karma S.Ka 1/54 III & 10

5 Vishagna Karma S.Ka 1/64 III & 12

6 Darvikar sarpdasta chikitsa S. Ka. 5/75 III & 58

7 Mandali sarpdasta chikitsa S.Ka. 5/76 III & 59

8 Visha sanshaman S.Ka. 6/12 III & 63

9 Mahasugandhi agad S.Ka. 6/19 III &63

10 Kapila mushik dast chikitsa S.Ka. 7/23 III & 70

11 Alark visha chikitsa S.Ka. 7/52 III & 75

12 Kaphaj pratisyay S.Ut. 24/32 III & 262

Vagbhat Samhita

Acharya vagbhata in Uttara sthana quoted Aprajita as the best remedy for Apasmara.6

Table 3

Table 3: Showing Aprajita in Ashtang Hriday

S . No Formulation Reference Page No

1 Arkadi gana A.H.Su. 15/28 237

2 Siroverechan dravya A.H.Su. 21/18 297

3 Vrindadi chikitsa A.H.Su. 22/63 855

4 Ropan tail A.H.Su. 34/2 897

5 Pratisaran kshar A.H.Su. 35/46 905

6 Mandali Sarp chikitsa A.H.Su. 136/61 912

7 Mushika alark Visha chikitsa A.H.Su. 38/36 922

Nighantu kala

The term Nighantu is based on the term Nigama. The etymology of nigama is, which brings out the

extremely concealed or secret meaning of words in systemic way. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Table 4

Table 4: Showing synonyms of Aprajita7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

Synonyms S.N A.N D.N S.N H.N M.N K.N B.P G.R.M R.N N.A P.N S.N S.N

Asphota - - - - - - - + + - - - - +

Girikarni + - + + - - + + + + - + - +

Girikarnika - + + + - - + - - + + - - -

Vishnukranta - - - - - + + + + - + - - -

Ashphota - - - - - - - + + - - - - +

Adrikarni - - - - + - - - - + - + - -

Gavadani + - + + - - + - - + - - - -

Sveta - - + + - - + - - - - - - -

Katbhi - - + - - - + - - - - - - -

Vishaghni - - - + - - - - - - - - - -

valli - - + + - - + - - - - - - -




Gana/Varga/ Mahakashay Table 5

Table 5: Showing the classification according to different authors

Classical text Gana / Varga/ Mahakashay

Charak Samhita Siroverechanopaga, Vayasthapan

Sushruta Samhita Urdhvabhaghara

Astang Hridaya Arkadi Gana

Nighantu Varga

Ashtang nighantu Shyamadi

Saushrut nighantu shyamadi

Dhanvantari nighantu Karviradi

Sodhal nighantu karviradi

Hridaydipak nighantu Doshaghna

Madanpal nighantu Abhyadi

Keydev nighantu Aushadhi

Bhavprakash nighantu Guduchyadi

Gunaratnamala Guduchyadi

Raj nighantu Guduchyadi

Nighantu adarsh Palashadi

Priya nighantu Pippalyadi

Saraswati nighantu Latadi

Rasapanchak Table 6

Table 6: Showing Rasapanchak in different Nighantu

Rasapanchaka G.R.M M.N R.N P.N S.N D.N B.N So.N K.N

Rasa

Katu + + - + - - + + -

Kashay + - - - + - + - -

Tikta + - + + + + + - +

Virya

Shita + - - + + - + - +

Vipak

Katu + - + - - - + + +

Doshagnta

Tridoshagna + + - - - + + - +

Kaphashamak - - - - - - - + -

Kaphavatashamak - - + - - - - + -

Pittashamak + - - -

Karmas Table 7

Table 7: Showing Karmas of Aprajita

Karma G.R.M M.N R.N P.N S.N D.N B.N So.N K.N

Medhya + + - + - - + - -

Kanthya - - + - - - - +

Chakshusya + - - + - + + - +

Sotha + - - - - - + - -

Vrana + + - - - + - +




Krimi - + - - + - - - -

Mada - - + - - - - - -

Svasa - - + - - - - + -

Kasa - - + - - - - + -

Daha - - + - - - - - -

Kustha - - - - - - + - +

Shula + - + - - - - - +

Kilas - - - - - - + -

Jvar - - + - - - - - -

Rogaghnata Table 8

Table 8: Showing Rogaghnata of Aprajita according to various authors

Roghagnta G.R.M M.N R.N P.N S.N D.N B.N So.N K.N

Shulaghna + - + + + - - - +

Vishaghna + - - + - - - + +

Krimighna - + - - - - - - -

Kusthagna - - - - - - + - +

Important yogas of Aprajita Table 9

Table 9: Showing some of the Yogas of Aprajita

Yoga Adhikar Reference & Pages

Agruadi tail Jvar C.Ci. 3/267,160

Gandhahasti namak Agad Vish chikitsa C.Ci. 23/71,637

Mahagandhahasti namak Agad Vish Chikitsa C.Ci. 23/78,638

Mahasugandhi Agad Vish Chikitsa S.Ka. 6/19,63

Ropan tail Vrana Chikitsa A.H.U. 34/2,897

Siddharthak Agad Unmad Chikitsa Chakradatta21

, 125

Bindu Ghrit Sneha kalpana Sarangdhar22

, 223-224

Vatraktantako Rasa Vata rakta Bhaisajya ratnavali23

, 513

SYNONYMS 24

Sanskrit : Girikarnika, Vishnukranta

Assamese : Aparajita

Bengali : Aparajita

English : Clitoria

Gujrati : Gokarni

Hindi : Aparajita

Kannada : Girikarnika Balli, Girikarnika

Malayalam : Shankhapushapam

Marathi : Gokarna, Aparajita

Oriya : Aparajita

Punjabi : Koyal

Tamil : Kakkanam

Telugu : Dintena

Habit and Habitat

A rambling, Perennial, indigenous, climber, found commonly throught India including Andaman

Islands, up to an attitude of 1,500 m.25




Chemical Constituents

Major Constituent

Aparajitin26

O

O

H3C(CH2)18H2C HC C

H2C CH2

CH

H3C

Aprajitin

Minor Constituents27,28

� − ��, �� − 4 − � − 3,6 − ��; �� − 3 −�� .

Major Therapeutic Claim

Antidepressent29

Dosage

Powder of the leaves30

: 3 to 5 gm

Decoction of the leaves30

: 50 to 100 ml.

III. Pharmacology

Alcoholic extract of aerial parts and root (including leaves) of C. ternatea demonstrated memory

retention activity in rats and an increase in rat brain acetylcholine content and acetyl cholinesterase

activity.31

The extract of leaves along with stem, flowers and fruit showed analgesic activity in rats and

mice.32

The methonolic extract of aerial parts showed nootropic, anxiolytic, antidepressant,

anticonvulsant, and antistress activities in rats and mice.33

The chloroform extract of entire plant

including leaves showed antibacterial activity.34

IV. Ethnobotanical Study

The plant is used against snake poison or bite and, the seeds are used as Purgative and root is used

as diuretic.35

The flowers are used in eye infection, Headache.32

The leaves are used in burns.36

V. Discussion

Clitoria ternatea Linn. (CT) (Family: Fabaceae) commonly known as 'Butterfly pea', a traditional

Ayurvedic medicine. The words Aprajita is available in the literatures of vedic period like Atharva veda

parishad etc. Word ‘Aprajita’ is also used for ‘Aishani disha’. In Shaunkiya Atharvaveda samhita

‘Aprajita’ term used for “Vish-vaidya”. In India, Aprajita is largely treasured as a revitalizing herb used

by Ayurvedic medical practitioners for almost 3000 years. The herb has been mentioned in several

Ayurvedic treatises including Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Aprajita is mentioned as one of

the ingredients of Agruadi tail, Bindu Ghrit, Ropan tail in Brihatrayi. When we analyses classical




references of Aprajita we can infer that most of the Acharyas are of the opinion that Aprajita promots

Medhya (intellect), Chakshuya (eye tonic),Svasa-kasa (respiratory system), Shoolaghna (pain killer),

Vishaghna (antipoisonous), Balya (strength, especially mind), etc. Over the centuries, the role of

Aprajita in the treatment of Kustha (leprosy/skin disorder), Asra Vikara (blood disorders), Kasa (cough),

Visa (poison), Sopha (edema), Jwara (fever), Unmada (insanity), and has been well described.

VI. Conclusion

The present review on Aprajita of different Veda, Samhita, nighantus and can be useful to know

about the different formulations of Aprajita in which different parts of this plant is used. By this way we

can used Aprajita in the treatment of different diseases. Most of the classics have mentioned Aprajita

having Medhya (intellect), Chakshuya (eye tonic), Svasa-kasa (respiratory system), Shoolaghna (pain

killer), Vishaghna (antipoisonous), Balya (strength, especially mind), etc properties. There is a huge

surge in Ayurvedic plants and world over it has become a subject of intensive research for various

aspects. There have also been substantial efforts to standardize the Ayurvedic crude drugs as well as

finished Ayurvedic medicines. The long history of safe usage of Ayurvedic medicines can be

extrapolated only when the botanical identity of the plant going into those medicines is established and

standardized. Hence proper nomenclature and establishing their exact botanical origin is must. A

detailed clinical study is required to understand the mode of action of this drugs and their efficacy.

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