Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PHYTOCHEMICAL, PHARMACOLOGICAL, AND ETHNOBOTANICAL FACETS OF CLAUSENA GENUS IN INDIA

Fidha Sumayya* and Dr. Beesha S. Kamal

Abstract

Natural ecosystems are the store houses of biodiversity and they are being regulated by the variety of species present there. India is well known for its abundant biodiversity; it ranks ninth in terms of plant species richness. The Rutaceae family boasts numerous advantages and a rich array of phytonutrients. Among the genera that belong to this family, Clausena stands out as a crucial component in traditional medicines. Among the Indian Species, the well-documented species in the genus are Clausena anisata, Clausena excavata, and Clausena indica. These species have a wide range of traditional therapeutic benefits in both folklore and Ayurvedic medicine. This genus is characterized by three types of secondary metabolites: flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids. However, the most prominent phytochemicals found in Clausena plants are coumarins and carbazole alkaloids. Clausena genus is rich in volatile oil, which makes them aromatic. These compounds possess potent medicinal properties, including anti-parasitic, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects. It is worth noting that only seven out of the twenty known species of Clausena exist globally are found in India. Despite reports of extensive ethno medicinal applications for plants in the genus, Clausena austroindica, Clausena agasthyamalayana, Clausena pentaphylla, and Clausena heptaphylla, very little is known about the chemical composition and biological activity of these species. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the botanical description, ethno medicinal values, phytochemical composition, and therapeutic potential of the seven Indian species.

Keywords: Clausena agasthyamalayana, Clausena anisata, Clausena austroindica, Clausena excavata, Clausena heptaphylla, Clausena indica, Clausena pentaphylla, Rutaceae.