A systematic review on exploration of therapeutic potential of Aparajita (Clitoria Ternatea Linn)

Aparajita (Clitoria ternatea Linn), is an herb widely distributed in the humid, lowland tropics of Africa, Asia, and Central America. Aparajita is known for its katu, tikta, kashaya rasa, and vishaghna (which alleviate toxins) properties. It is used in the treatment of various diseases and is a major ingredient in various anti-poisonous formulations. Pharmacologically, it has actions like insecticidal, cholinergic, antioxytocic, antihistaminic, analgesic, diuretic, purgative, laxative, and abortifacient. A systematic review is attempted based on preclinical studies to prepare a strong platform for the clinical utilisation of Aparajita as a main drug. The research papers reporting the study of Clitoria ternatea Linn in animals (In vivo and in vitro) were searched for systematic review. The literature search was performed using keywords like 'preclinical studies on Aparajita,' 'animal studies on Aparajita,' and 'pharmacological studies on Aparajita,' in combination with various effects in animals, in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, AYUSH Research Portal, and DHARA for studies published up to December 2021. Many preclinical studies reported that Clitoria ternatea Linn has diuretic, nootropic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antidiabetic, antilipidemic, antioxidant, and wound healing properties. In the contemporary view, several pharmacological studies and preclinical studies prove the effectiveness of Clitoria ternatea Linn in various diseases. However, very few clinical studies of Clitoria ternatea Linn were done. Further clinical research should be conducted to establish the therapeutic potential of the drug Aparajita.