An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany, and Bioactivity of the Clausena Genus

Jul 16, 2026

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The Clausena genus of the Rutaceae family is widely known for its distinctive aroma and diverse phytochemical composition. This review synthesizes therapeutic bioactivities across antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects, linking pharmacology with ethnobotanical evidence and updated phytochemical profiling. Literature searches from PubChem, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect follow PRISMA 2020 and cover 24 species using in vivo, in vitro, and in silico findings from English publications (1982–2025).

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages32

Reading Time1 h 21 min

Introduction

Rutaceae overview and relevance

Clausena genus overview and traditional medicinal roles

Pharmacological basis from phytochemicals

Review scope and methods

Literature sources and PRISMA 2020 approach

Study types and time window

Chemistry & Biodiversity REVIEW An Updated Review of Phytochemistry, Ethnobotany, and Bioactivity ofthe Clausena Genus Lonishree Dutta Tanmita Gupta Raghu Tamang Twahira Begum Mohan Lal Agrotechonology and Rural Development Division, CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST), Jorhat, Assam, India Correspondence: Twahira Begum ([twahira.begum24@gmail.com](twahira.begum24@gmail.com)) Mohan Lal (drmohanlal80@gmail.com) Received: 26 September 2025 Revised: 5 February 2026 Accepted: 6 February 2026 Keywords: Keywords | bioactivity | ethnomedicine | phytochemicals ABSTRACT The genus Clausena of the Rutaceae family is recognized widely for its distinct aroma and rich phytochemical content. The phytochemical compounds of these genera have a broad spectrum of therapeutic properties like antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory, which are summarized in this review. In this present review we have covered detailed pharmacology, ethnobotany, and phytochemical profiling of the species with updated information, which will be helpful for researchers, scientists, and people related to this field for further research and development of natural drugs from the species. The literature review was searched from PubChem, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect and followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Clausena, bioactivity, ethnobotany, and phytochemistry properties are the main keywords searched. Research sources included peer-reviewed original studies and review articles, book chapters, and reputable government websites. Only English-language publications published between 1982 and 2025 were considered. This review incorporated findings from in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies. Previously, a few review articles have been reported on the Clausena genus with limited information. In the current review we have covered 24 species of the genus with its detailed ethnobotany and pharmacology, as well as phytochemical information underscoring its novelty. The review highlights various phytochemicals identified in the species, including carbazole alkaloids, coumarins, and essential oils. The traditional uses of the species in ethnomedicine, particularly for treating fevers, infections, and gastrointestinal disorders, correlate with many of these bioactivities. However, limited studies have been done for the molecular mechanisms of action and clinical validations of Clausena-derived compounds for human health. The present review will help to discover potential applications of the species in terms of pharmacological applications as well as drug discovery in the near future after proper validation. This review explains the therapeutic potential of its bioactive constituents and their relevance in traditional medicine. Despite promising in vitro and in vivo results, further research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms of action and toxicological evaluations and to perform various clinical studies to fully explore the pharmacological applications of the species in modern medicine. 1 Introduction The Rutaceae family is well known for its rich repository of phytomedicine and nutrients [1, 2] . It comprises 150 genera and over 1500 species, which are distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide. In India, around 25 genera and 80 species of the Rutaceae family have been documented. The plant family comprises several economically valuable species, notably citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. These fruits are well recognized for their rich vitamin C content and a diverse array of bioactive alkaloids. Additionally, several ornamental species also belong to the family Rutaceae [1] . © 2026 Wiley-VHCA AG. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 2026; 23:e03150 1 of 32 [https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202503150](https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202503150) Rutaceae plants have a diverse range of forms, including trees, shrubs, and herbs, typically with simple to co

FAQs

What bioactivities of Clausena are emphasized in the review?

The review summarizes antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties, grounded in the phytochemical constituents reported for Clausena species.

How was the literature for this updated review collected and filtered?

Searches were conducted in PubChem, Google Scholar, Wiley Online Library, and ScienceDirect, following PRISMA 2020, with only English publications from 1982 to 2025 included.

Which study types and data sources are incorporated in the review?

The review incorporates evidence from in vivo, in vitro, and in silico studies, drawing on peer-reviewed original studies, review articles, book chapters, and reputable government websites.

Jul 16, 2026

Upload by Liam