PHARMACOGNOSTIC AND PHYSICAL EVALUATION OF LEAVES OF DRACAENA REFLEXA LAM

ABSTRACT 
Introduction: Dracaena reflexa belongs to the Asparagaceae family. Around the world, it is a common 
ornamental potted plant in tropical and subtropical climes. Traditionally, D. reflexa was cultivated in kitchen 
gardens in Madagascar to treat symptoms of malaria, diarrhea, poisoning, dysentery, and dysmenorrheal. It 
was also thought to be a helpful haemostatic and antipyretic. The conditions of a plant's habitat are reflected in 
its anatomical structure. Therefore, the purpose of the present investigation was to assessment the physical 
parameters, morphology, and anatomy of D. reflexa, particularly when the plant is exposed to harsh climatic 
conditions. 
Experiment and Method: For anatomical studies, morphological measurements were taken from the fresh 
plant material's leaves using a razor. The transverse section was cut to make a very thin slice of the leaves, 
which was then placed onto a glass slide under a microscope, onto which one drop of glycerin was added, and 
examined under a microscope. 
Result: The moisture content (6%), ash value (7.5%), and other standardization characteristics were assessed. 
Crude fiber content (2.46%), extracted value (25%), and Color, taste, odor, shape, texture, sclerenchyma, fiber 
vascular tissue, xylem vessels (powder), collenchyma, xylem, companion cell, and sieve cell (T.S of leaf) were 
all proved in the morphological and anatomical examination of Dracaena reflexa leaves. 
Conclusion: Due to their high ash content, Dracaena reflexa are a good source of mineral elements. Because 
low moisture content inhibited microbiological growth, leaves with moisture content between 5 and 15% are 
suitable for formulation. Most members of the Liliaceae have sclerenchyma groups encircling the leaf vascular 
bundle. In the transverse section of D. reflexa leaves, we found sclerenchyma groups on the adaxial and abaxial 
portions of the vascular bundles. We estimate that these results will be useful in future taxonomic and 
phylogenetic research on the dracaena species. 
Keywords: Dracaena reflexa, Extractive value, Microscopically, Companion cell, Collenchyma.