Clitoria ternatea L.: Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities and Toxicological Evaluation

Background/Objectives: Clitoria ternatea L. is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional medicine and is increasingly studied for its phytochemical and pharmacological properties. This review summarises current knowledge on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities and toxicological profile. Methods: The relevant literature was identified through searches of major scientific databases, with emphasis on studies reporting the phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicological evaluation of C. ternatea. Results: C. ternatea contains a diverse range of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids (including anthocyanins), peptides (including cyclotides), terpenoids and other phenolic constituents. Experimental studies have reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and other pharmacological activities. Several of these effects have been associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory pathways and cholinergic function, although the compounds responsible for many of the reported effects remain unclear. Available toxicological studies indicate relatively low acute toxicity under the experimental conditions tested, but information on repeated-dose and long-term exposure remains limited. Conclusions: Overall, the available evidence supports the pharmacological potential of C. ternatea, although most studies remain preclinical. Further studies using chemically characterised extracts and isolated compounds, together with more comprehensive toxicological and clinical evaluation, are needed to better establish its efficacy and safety.