Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
A comparative study on proximate and phytochemical analysis of Clausena excavata Burm. f. and C. heptaphylla (Roxb.) Wight & Arn occurring in Assam (India)
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Research Articles | Published: 08 October, 2025
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Keywords: n Clausena excavatan , n C. heptaphyllan , Proximate analysis, Antioxidant property, Bioactivity
Abstract
Clausena excavata and Clausena heptaphylla, belonging to the family Rutaceae, have been traditionally used for centuries in the treatment of various ailments, including abdominal pain, malaria, dysentery, and colds. This study aimed to evaluate the proximate and mineral composition, phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and bioactive compounds present in the leaves of these species using standard methodology. Proximate analysis revealed that C. excavata has higher moisture, crude fiber and carbohydrate content. Similarly, C. heptaphylla have higher ash, fat and protein content. The total energy content was found to be higher in C. excavata (249.18 kcal/100 g). In order to examine the phytochemical and antioxidant properties, extracts were prepared using methanol and water. Quantitative phytochemical analysis indicated that the methanolic extract of C. excavata contained higher total phenolic (215.00 ± 0.69 mg GAE/g) and flavonoid (29.89 ± 0.13 mg QE/g) contents compared to C. heptaphylla. Additionally, dried powder samples were taken to study the tannin content and saponin content and the findings demonstrated that C. excavata bear greater tannin and saponin content compared to C. heptaphylla. In comparison to C. heptaphylla, the methanolic extract of C. excavata demonstrated considerably better DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) scavenging activity as well as reducing power assay. Evaluation of bioactivity through GC–MS profiling entails both the species are boon with antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antiulcer properties. These findings highlight the potential of C. excavata and C. heptaphylla as valuable sources of natural bioactive compounds with significant therapeutic applications.
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Author Information
Department of Botany, Gauhati University, Guwahati, India