Physicochemical, phytochemical and pharmacognostical parameters of a herbal plant Dracaena steudneri Engl.

Dracaena steudneri Engl. (family Dracaenaceae) has been used in managing various health conditions. This study evaluated its pharmacognostic, physicochemical and phytochemical parameters. The physicochemical analysis was done using WHO recommended parameters such as moisture content, ash values (total ash, water soluble ash, acid insoluble ash) and extractive values. Phytochemical screening was done by methods described by Sofowora, Kokate and Prashant. The morphological studies exhibited the macroscopic characters while the microscopic study showed the presence of various characteristics such as vascular bundles, calcium oxalate crystals and paracytic stomata. Physicochemical evaluation indicated 13.7% total yield, 9.13% moisture content, 0.17% water soluble ash, 0.17% acid insoluble ash, 3.41% water insoluble ash, 0.84% acid insoluble ash, 16.25% acid soluble extractive value and 20% water soluble extractive value. The qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and phenols in the extract. The pharmacognostic characters described in this study will help in identifying the plant and crude drug. The standardization parameters obtained will ensure the efficacy of the drug and also distinguish the drug from its adulterants. Key words: Dracaena steudneri, physicochemical, phytochemical, organoleptic evaluation.