Role of Aparajita (Clitorea ternatea Linn.) in Cancer Prevention and Therapy: Evidence from Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology

Clitorea ternatea Linn. (C. ternatea), native to tropical Asia, is commonly referred to as “Aparajita,” “blue pea,” “darwin pea,” “Asian pigeon wings,” “cordofan pea,” “conch flower,” and “blue bellvine. “In the context of Ayurvedic practice, it is utilised to enhance intellectual capacity and memory, treat dermatological conditions, and exhibits both anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects. C. ternatea is rich in various phytochemicals, such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin glycosides, and anthocyanins. Herbal medicines and their phytochemical constituents are increasingly recognised as complementary interventions in cancer therapy. Consequently, this study sought to examine the anticancer potential of C. ternatea. This detailed report investigates the ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemical composition, nutritional benefits, and pharmacotherapeutic potential of this plant by conducting an exhaustive review of databases such as Embase, PubMed, SinoMed, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Encompassed within are essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, proteins, and vitamins, as well as a variety of antioxidants such as flavonoids, phenols, and carotenoids. In addition, it exhibits properties that are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant, anticancer, and antidiabetic. In addition, studies have shown that the plant’s bioactive constituents exhibit antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects, which serve to impede the development of cancer cells. This literature review explores the mechanisms and signalling pathways linked to the diverse phytoconstituents of C. ternatea. It delves into safety issues, examines potential drug-drug interactions, and evaluates the influence of these phytoconstituents on the proliferation of cancer cells in various experimental settings. Major Findings: Clitorea ternatea has been extensively studied for ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacological actions, phytochemistry, clinical studies, nutritional profile, toxicity and safety studies. It holds potential bioactive compounds for use as an anticancer drug by different pathways, like Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) Signalling Pathway, and NF-kB Signalling Pathway, etc.