Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. (Rutaceae): ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and clinical application

Clausen anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. is a plant extensively used in traditional medicine. Here, a synopsis of the research on various aspects of Clausen anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. is presented. An electronic literature review revealed that formulations containing Clausen anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. are used to manage and treat diabetes, eye problems, malaria, snake envenomation, malignancies, as well as venereal, gastrointestinal, reproductive, respiratory, dermatological, and odonatological ailments. To date, 90 compounds have been isolated and characterized from extracts of Clausen anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. Crude extracts and isolated compounds from Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiplasmodial, antiproliferative, anti-human immunodeficiency virus-1, antimycobacterial, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic activities. These bioactivities can be attributed to alkaloids, coumarins, limonoids, and phenylpropanoids present in different parts of the plant. Although some studies have indicated moderate toxicity of the extracts, some of the dominant compounds in this species, such as estragole and carbazole alkaloids, are mutagenic or cytotoxic. A clinical trial utilizing a Ghanaian herbal formulation containing Clausena anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. was found to be effective in reducing pain associated with osteoarthritis. Research progress to date supports the traditional use of this species in herbal medicine. However, these studies do not explain the relationships between traditional uses, pharmacological activities, and mechanisms of action. Thus, further studies should be designed to understand the biochemical properties and physiological effects of Clausen anisata (Willd.) Hook.f. ex Benth. extracts, facilitating the development and utilization of this medicinal resource.