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

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.