Dracaena sanderiana: Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Potential, Traditional Significance and Future Therapeutic Perspectives—A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Dracaena sanderiana Sander ex Mast., commonly known as lucky bamboo, Sander’s dracaena or ribbon dracaena, is an ornamental monocot belonging to the family Asparagaceae. Although primarily cultivated as an indoor ornamental plant, increasing scientific interest has focused on its phytochemical composition and potential biological activities. Phytochemical investigations of D. sanderiana have demonstrated the presence of tannins, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and quinones. Ethanolic extracts of its leaves exhibit appreciable free-radical-scavenging activity, with phenolic and flavonoid constituents considered important contributors to the antioxidant effect. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry has identified several compounds, including glycerol, pyranone derivatives and long-chain fatty acids, in active leaf fractions. Evidence from recent pharmacognostic investigations further suggests the presence of steroids, triterpenoids, glycosides and flavonoids in the roots. The plant and related Dracaena species have attracted attention for antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological properties. However, substantial portions of the pharmacological literature concern other Dracaena species and dragon’s-blood resin rather than D. sanderiana itself. Therefore, species-specific evidence remains limited. This review summarizes the botanical characteristics, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacognosy, antioxidant and other pharmacological properties, safety considerations, and future research opportunities associated with D. sanderiana. Further standardized investigations involving chromatographic fingerprinting, isolation of bioactive compounds, mechanistic studies, toxicity evaluation and in-vivo disease models are necessary to establish its therapeutic potential.