Medicinal Plants

Dracaena angustifolia (Medik.) Roxb.

Pandan Suji

Asparagaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Dracaena angustifolia (Pandan Suji) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Dracaena angustifolia (Pandan Suji) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Dracaena angustifolia (Pandan Suji)

Summary

Suji (Dracaena angustifolia) is an erect shrub up to 3 meters tall of the Asparagaceae family, native to Africa and South Asia, widely distributed to India, the Pacific Islands, and the Nusantara. Its deep green leaves are a source of natural food dye, while the plant is also popular as a living hedge and indoor air purifier. Traditionally, suji is also believed to treat dysentery and fever, and to promote hair growth.

Agroecology

Thrives up to an elevation of 1,000 m above sea level and favors mountainous areas or locations near water sources (wells, small rivers). Suji is widely planted in yards as a hedge. This plant favors moist, well-drained soil in a sunny location.

Morphology

  • Roots taproot, dirty white.
  • Stem erect, woody, transversely grooved, dirty white.
  • Leaves simple, alternate, lanceolate with a pointed tip, base clasping the stem, smooth margins, 16-20 cm long, 3-4 cm wide, parallel venation, dark green.
  • Flowers compound, at the branch tip, raceme-shaped, purplish-white.
  • Fruit round, ± 1 cm in diameter, green.
  • Seeds round, clear white.

Cultivation

  • Propagated vegetatively (stem cuttings, separation of shoots emerging from the parent base).
  • Seedlings are planted in a growing medium 5 cm to 10 cm deep. Firm the soil around the seedling to stabilize it, then water.

Chemical Content

Flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, steroids, saponins (drangustosides A–B and alliospiroside A), alkaloids, diterpene compounds, neophytadiene, phytol, citronellyl acetate.

Benefits

Treats dysentery, diarrhea, gonorrhea; relieves menstrual pain, fever, beriberi; makes hair shinier and promotes growth; has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activity.

Simplisia

  • Pick fresh leaves, wash thoroughly under running water.
  • Cut the leaves into pieces, then dry. Drying is done in an oven at 40 °C until dry.
  • Once dry, store in a closed, clean, airtight container.

Local Names

Suji (Sunda), Sujen (Java), Tawaang im bolai (Minahasa), Pendusta utan (Ambon), Ngose kolotidi (Ternate).

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Diarrhea from Pandan Suji

1. Diarrhea

  • Wash 3 suji leaves thoroughly.
  • Knead the leaves, add 2 tbsp water, then squeeze. Add salt to taste.
  • Drink 3 times a day, 1 tbsp each time.

Reference Sources

  1. Case RJ, Wang Y, Franzblau SG, Soejarto DD, Matainaho L, Piskaut P, Pauli GF. 2007. Advanced applications of counter-current chromatography in the isolation of anti-tuberculosis constituents from Dracaena angustifolia. J. Chromatography A 1151(1–2): 169-174.
  2. Huang HC, Lin MK, Hwang SY, Hwang TL, Kuo YH, Chang I, Ou CY, Kuo YH. 2013. Two Anti-inflammatory Steroidal Saponins from Dracaena angustifolia Roxb. Molecules 18(8): 8752-8763.
  3. Xu M, Zhang YJ, Li XC, Jacob MR, Yang CR. 2010. Steroidal saponins from fresh stems of Dracaena angustifolia. J. Nat. Prod. 73(9): 1524-1528.
  4. Direktorat Obat Asli Indonesia Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan RI. 2012. Formularium Ramuan Etnomedisin Obat Asli Indonesia Volume II. 
  5. Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. Dracaena angustifolia. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dracaena+angustifolia 15-01-2021