Abstract

Phytochemical evaluation of leaves, stems and roots of Dracaena arborea (Link) and Dracaena mannii (Bak) present in southeastern Nigeria was carried out, to determine their taxonomical data with regards to their phytochemicals contents (flavonoid, saponin, tannin, cyanide, lectin, phytate and calcium oxalate) using standard methods. The results show varying quantities of the phytochemicals in the leaves, stems and roots of the two Dracaena species with some parts lacking some of the phytochemicals. The highest quantity of the phytochemicals was contained in the leaves of both species when compared to other parts respectively. The result also revealed no significant statistical difference in the phytochemistry of the two Dracaena species. The implication is that the two species are closely related and this justified their placement in the same genus Dracaena while the slight differences between them support their separation into different species. The result also indicated that the two species could be used in ethnomedicine for the treatment of diseases. In addition, these parts could be the possible sources of these phytochemicals.

Key words: Dracaena arborea, Dracaena mannii, phytochemicals.