Dracaena trifasciata and Dracaena angolensis: Phytochemistry, Pharmacological Activities, and Mechanistic Insights

Abstract

Dracaena trifasciata and Dracaena angolensis (Asparagaceae) are medicinal plants traditionally used in Africa and Asia for inflammatory disorders, infections and other conditions. This review critically synthesizes current knowledge on their phytochemistry, biological activities, safety, and underlying molecular mechanisms. A structured literature search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed, supplemented by citation tracking. The final evidence synthesis comprised 85 primary studies, with review articles and contextual sources used separately for background and interpretation. Both species contain structurally diverse metabolites, predominantly steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and homoisoflavonoids, together with phenolic acids, terpenoids and other steroidal glycosides. Experimental studies document chemical antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, enzyme-inhibitory and metabolic activities, and in vitro cytotoxic or antiproliferative effects, although evidence strength varies by endpoint and preparation. Mechanistic evidence includes Nrf2/ARE-associated responses, NF-κB-related signalling, apoptosis and cell-cycle regulation, and quorum-sensing-associated virulence effects, whereas several proposed molecular targets remain supported only by computational analyses. Most studies rely on crude or partially characterized extracts, and safety evidence remains limited to a small number of acute and 28-day repeated-dose studies. Bioactivity-guided isolation, compound-level mechanistic validation, pharmacokinetic characterization and more comprehensive toxicological studies are therefore required before translational potential can be established.