Biological activity of the Clitoria ternatea flower aqueous extract planted in Binh Duong province, Vietnam

Clitoria ternatea L. is commonly called the blue pea flower, an herbaceous plant that is used for traditional medicine, natural food colorants and beverages thanks to its antioxidant properties and the consequent health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the bioactivity and safety of Clitoria ternatea flower (CTF) aqueous extracts. In this study, we evaluated the biological activity of CTF aqueous extracts at concentrations from 20 to 120 μg/mL through the test of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ACE inhibition, antibacterial activity and cell viability assay to test for HEK.293 nephrotoxicity. The results indicated that CTF aqueous extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity and ACE inhibitor activity at the concentration of 120 μg/mL. Besides, the antibacterial activity of the aqueous extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus sp. at 80 μg/ mL concentration was similar to that of 120 μg/mL. The aqueous extract at 120 μg/mL did not exhibit cytotoxic effects on HEK.293 cells. The results of this study suggested that CTF can be used as a natural beverage, a kind of tea to improve human health.