An Overview of Clitoria ternatea L.'s Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential for Use as a Natural Food Colorant

Renju Krishna V, Deepa Kesavan

Abstract: Food colourants play a crucial role in the food industry by enhancing sensory appeal and consumer acceptability. With increasing demand for natural, eco-friendly, and functional food additives, plant-derived pigments have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic dyes. Clitoria ternatea L., commonly known as the butterfly pea plant, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly polyacylated anthocyanins known as ternatins. These compounds impart a vivid, stable blue coloration, especially in acidic media, addressing the industrial challenge of obtaining stable natural blue colourants. This review summarizes the botanical taxonomy, phytochemical profile, structural stability, antioxidant properties, traditional and modern culinary applications, and safety aspects of C. ternatea as a multifunctional, natural food colourant.

Keywords: Food colourant, eco-friendly, Clitoria ternatea, anthocyanins, ternatins

How to Cite?: Renju Krishna V, Deepa Kesavan, "An Overview of Clitoria ternatea L.'s Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Potential for Use as a Natural Food Colorant", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 221-223, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26901174108, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26901174108

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