White Butterfly Pea: The New Trend in Functional Beverages

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - White butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea var. albiflora) is a lesser-known form of the butterfly pea plant that has gained attention as a natural ingredient for functional beverages and botanical products. Unlike the famous blue variety, the white flower contains different pigment profiles while still providing flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and bioactive peptides that are being studied for health applications.

A study published in the journal Pharmacognosy Reviews reported that Clitoria ternatea contains diverse phytochemicals, including flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and triterpenoids. These compounds contribute to the plant’s biological activities and explain its long history in traditional medicine.

One of the important applications of white butterfly pea is its potential as a functional beverage ingredient. Its mild flavor and bioactive compounds make it suitable for herbal drinks, while researchers continue studying its nutritional properties.

Unlike the blue variety, white butterfly pea contains trace amounts of anthocyanins, making it attractive for researchers interested in comparing the biological effects of different flower varieties.

The food and cosmetic industries have explored butterfly pea extracts because plant-based ingredients are increasingly valued in natural product development. Botanical derivatives from the flower are being studied for applications in beverages, supplements, and botanical skincare.

Although butterfly pea is generally safe for traditional beverage consumption, concentrated extracts require further research regarding dosage, long-term consumption, and possible interactions with medications.