Prospecting alternative source of shikimic acid from clusiaceae of Western Ghats, India and evaluating discrepancies with reference to seasonal variation, developmental stage and sex of Mammea suriga

Abstract Clusiaceae is renowned for producing a wide range of phytochemicals like isoprenylated xanthones, biflavonoids and anthraquinones. Recently, focus on Shikimic Acid (SA) has increased since its appearance as a key precursor for the synthesis of drug against H5N1 virus. Present work quantifies shikimic acid from, different parts of clusiaceae species. RP-HPLC analysis showed M. suriga collected form Siddhapur with higher content of shikimic acid (47.19 mg/g). Similarly, leaves of all species showed highest content of SA than stem and fruits of species analyzed. Results revealed that the seasons had important role in accumulation of SA in M. suriga. While, young leaves showed highest accumulation of SA compared to old and different growth stages and sexuality of M. suriga does not affect SA content. Similarly, various method had less role in extraction of SA. The present investigation is the first comprehensive report on clusiaceae species with respect to shikimic acid and the findings are of considerable interest to design new bioproducts in pharmaceutical point of view and to provide suitable alternative source of SA to star anise.