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.