Dracaena Loureiri Gagnep (Dragon Tree)

Dracaena Loureiri Gagnep (Dragon Tree)

Product Name: драцена Лоурейра, Dracaena loureiri, Loureirs Drachenbaum, drácena de Loureiro, dragonnier de Loureiro, تنين لوريرا, ดราเซน่า ลูรีอีรี, Loureir dracena, Лоурейра дракена, Lourer əjdahası, дракаена Лоурейрӣ, Loureirio dracēna, Loureirijas pūķkoks, драцена Лоурейра, לורייר דרצנה

Synonyms: драцена тайская, драцена Данг Пхай, dracaena Dang Phai, Loureiro's dragon tree, Thai dragon tree, Drachenbaum Loureiro, drácena tailandesa, dragonnier thaï, التنين التايلاندي, ดราเซน่าแดงไผ่, Данг Пхай дракена, Лоуэйрий аждахасы, дракаена таиландӣ, tailandietiška dracēna, taizemes pūķkoks, тайська драцена, דרצנה תאילנדית

Parts Used: leaves, roots, wood, bark, rhizome, sap.

Main Indications for Use of Dracaena loureiri: chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, visceral obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension of the first and second degrees, insulin resistance, polycystic ovary syndrome, hepatic steatosis, chronic hepatitis, acne, inflammatory dermatoses.

Use of Dracaena loureiri in mixtures and complexes: neurodegenerative diseases, androgenic alopecia, premature skin aging, chronic cystitis, erectile dysfunction of vascular origin, prostate fibrosis, chronic cholecystitis, steatohepatitis, climacteric syndrome.

Pharmacological properties of Dracaena loureiri: antiandrogenic, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, angioprotective, antiproliferative, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilating, phyt hormonal, antibacterial, dermatoprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Dracaena loureiri

Powder — Dracaena loureiri

Indications (Powder): hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, visceral obesity, metabolic syndrome, chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, acne, inflammatory dermatoses.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1 gram of powder 2 times a day 20 minutes before meals, taken with warm water at a temperature of about 37 degrees Celsius.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2 grams of powder 2 times a day for type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, visceral obesity, chronic prostatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 3 grams of powder 2 times a day for pronounced hyperglycemia, hepatic steatosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5 grams once a day in the morning, in 30-day courses with 10-day breaks, recommended for patients with overweight, prediabetes, lipid metabolism disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): For children over 12 years old and with a body weight of at least 40 kg — 0.5 grams once a day. Use in children under 12 years old has not been scientifically confirmed.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years old have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Powder): Dyspeptic disorders are possible when exceeding the dosage, including nausea, bitterness in the mouth, diarrhea.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight less than 60 kg — reduction of dosage by 25 percent. For body weight above 90 kg — increase of dosage by 20 percent.

Preparation Method (Powder): To prepare 100 grams of powder, dried rhizome of Dracaena loureiri is used. The rhizomes are washed, dried at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius until brittle, then ground into a powder with a fraction of no more than 0.2 mm. The powder is sieved and packaged in airtight dark glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, away from sources of EMI. Shelf life — 1 year. After opening the package, use within 60 days, provided it is tightly closed.

Dry Extract — Dracaena loureiri

Indications (Dry Extract): type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hypercholesterolemia, benign prostatic hyperplasia, chronic prostatitis, hepatic steatosis.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 500 milligrams 2 times a day for resistance to therapy, pronounced hyperglycemia, steatohepatosis, prostate fibrosis.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 750 milligrams 2 times a day. Used only under specialist supervision for uncompensated metabolic syndrome and obesity of 2–3 degrees.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 milligrams once a day in courses of 3 weeks with a 10-day break. Recommended for hereditary predisposition to insulin resistance, dyslipidemia.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): There are no scientifically confirmed data on the use of dry extract in children. Use is not recommended.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Hypersensitivity to plant components. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in childhood have not been registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Rarely possible headache, bitterness in the mouth, flatulence when exceeding the dosage.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For patients with body weight below 60 kg — reduce the dose by 25 percent. For body weight above 90 kg — increase the dose by 15–20 percent.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): 100 grams of dry extract are obtained from 1 kilogram of crushed roots infused with 70 percent ethyl alcohol in a ratio of 1:5 for 72 hours. The extract is filtered, evaporated at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius in a vacuum evaporator to a thick mass, then dried to a powder state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in an airtight container made of light-proof material, at a temperature from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a dry place. Shelf life — 2 years. After opening, use within 90 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Dracaena loureiri

Indications (Tincture): hyperglycemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, chronic prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops of tincture 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals, diluted in 30 milliliters of water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 2 times a day for hyperglycemia above 10 mmol/l, steatohepatosis, chronic inflammation of the prostate.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops 2 times a day for pronounced symptoms of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Use is permissible for no more than 10 days in a row under specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15 drops once a day on an empty stomach in courses of 20 days with a 10-day break. Recommended for patients with a family history of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Use of alcohol tincture in children is not allowed. There is no scientific data on safety of use.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcohol dependence, liver diseases in the decompensation stage, individual intolerance. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children have not been scientifically registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): Tachycardia, dizziness, nausea when exceeding the dosage.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight less than 60 kg, the dosage should be reduced by 20 percent. For body weight over 90 kg — increased by 15 percent.

Preparation Method (Tincture): To prepare 100 milliliters of tincture, use 25 grams of crushed roots of Dracaena loureiri and 75 milliliters of 70 percent ethyl alcohol. The mixture is infused in a dark, airtight glass container at room temperature for 10 days, shaking periodically. After infusion — filter through cheesecloth.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a dark glass container at a temperature from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, in a place protected from light and EMI. Shelf life — up to 2 years. After opening the package, use within 6 months.

Nasal Drops — Dracaena loureiri

Indications (Nasal Drops): chronic vasomotor rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal mucosa hypertrophy, dryness of the nasal passages, inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Standard Dosage (Nasal Drops): 2 drops in each nasal passage 2 times a day for 7–10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Nasal Drops): 3 drops in each nasal passage 3 times a day for pronounced inflammation and nasal congestion, for hypertrophic rhinitis.

Maximum Dosage (Nasal Drops): 4 drops in each nasal passage 3 times a day, no more than 5 days in a row. Used in cases of resistance to other treatment methods, only under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Nasal Drops): 1 drop in each nasal passage once a day for 7 days, once a month. Recommended for patients with chronic ENT diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Nasal Drops): Use in children over 10 years old — 1 drop in each nasal passage 2 times a day. Not used for younger age.

Contraindications (Nasal Drops): Intolerance to components, acute purulent rhinosinusitis, injuries of the nasal mucosa. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 10 years old have not been registered.

Side Effects (Nasal Drops): Mucosal irritation, burning sensation in the nose, sneezing in case of overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Nasal Drops): Dose adjustment is not required. Dosage is determined by local application.

Preparation Method (Nasal Drops): For 100 milliliters of drops take: 5 grams of dry extract of Dracaena loureiri, 92 milliliters of sterile physiological solution, 3 milliliters of glycerin. The dry extract is dissolved in warm physiological solution (37 degrees Celsius), glycerin is added, and mixed until homogeneous. The solution is filtered through a sterile filter. Packaged in a sterile dropper bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Nasal Drops): Store in a refrigerator at a temperature from +4 to +8 degrees Celsius. Shelf life — up to 30 days. After opening, use within 10 days. Protect from light and heat.

Ear Drops — Dracaena loureiri

Indications (Ear Drops): acute catarrhal otitis, chronic external otitis, earwax plug, hyperemia and itching in the external auditory canal, allergic dermatitis of the auricle.

Standard Dosage (Ear Drops): 2 drops in each ear canal 2 times a day for 5–7 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ear Drops): 3 drops 3 times a day for 7 days for pronounced inflammation of the external auditory canal and recurrent otitis.

Maximum Dosage (Ear Drops): 4 drops in each ear canal 3 times a day, course no more than 5 days. Used for purulent external otitis under medical supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Ear Drops): 1 drop in each ear canal once a day at night for 5 days after swimming in open water. Recommended for individuals prone to recurrent external otitis and swimmers.

Pediatric Dosage (Ear Drops): For children from 7 years old — 1 drop 2 times a day. Use in children under 7 years old has not been studied and is not recommended.

Contraindications (Ear Drops): Perforation of the eardrum, acute otitis media, allergy to components of the drug. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years old have not been registered.

Side Effects (Ear Drops): Burning in the ear canal, skin irritation of the ear, short-term hearing loss when exceeding the dosage.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ear Drops): Dose adjustment is not required, as the form is applied topically.

Preparation Method (Ear Drops): To prepare 100 milliliters of the drug: 5 grams of dry extract of Dracaena loureiri, 80 milliliters of coconut oil, 15 milliliters of sterile glycerin. Dissolve the dry extract in warm coconut oil (temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius), add glycerin, mix until a homogeneous emulsion is obtained. Filter through a sterile gauze filter. Pour into dark glass bottles with a dropper dispenser.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ear Drops): Store in a place protected from light at a temperature from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. After opening, use within 15 days. Avoid contact with direct sunlight and heating above 25 degrees Celsius.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Dracaena loureiri

Toxicological evaluation of Dracaena loureiri has demonstrated a high degree of biosafety when administered orally. In a preclinical study in animals (male and female Sprague-Dawley rats), the dry ethanolic extract of stems and leaves of Dracaena loureiri did not cause mortality or pathological changes at doses up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. This indicates that the oral LD₅₀ value for this plant exceeds 5000 mg/kg, which is classified as a practically non-toxic substance according to the Hodge and Sterner classification.

No signs of hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, or neurotoxicity were recorded upon repeated administration of the extract. Levels of ALT, AST, bilirubin, creatinine, and urea remained within physiological norms. No effect on the weight of internal organs, behavior, or hematological parameters of the test animals was detected either.

Based on these data, Dracaena loureiri is considered a pharmacologically safe plant when therapeutic dosages are observed, without cumulative or acute toxic effects.

Reference: https://www.frontiersin.org/ar...

Pharmacodynamics — Dracaena loureiri

The pharmacodynamic activity of Dracaena loureiri is due to the combined action of phenolic compounds, sterols, saponins, and flavonoids, found predominantly in the rhizomes, leaves, and wood of the plant. The complex of biologically active substances exhibits a systemic effect, affecting primarily the endocrine, metabolic, vascular, and immune regulatory axes.

One of the significant pharmacological effects is the antiandrogenic and modulating effect on the receptor exchange of sex steroids. In vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated a decrease in the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, responsible for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This allows Dracaena loureiri to be classified as a herbal remedy with mild antihormonal potential, affecting nuclear receptors of the NR3 class. This modulating effect mediates a physiological influence on steroid-sensitive tissues, including tissues of the reproductive system, skin, and liver.

The flavonoid and phenolic components exhibit a pronounced antioxidant effect, confirmed by a decrease in lipid peroxidation levels and stabilization of the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase) in model experiments. The antioxidant effect is realized at the cellular level and in the systemic bloodstream, maintaining redox homeostasis and reducing the level of reactive oxygen species in tissues.

Anti-inflammatory properties have also been identified, realized mainly through suppression of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). These effects are ensured by effects on transcriptional mechanisms in immune system cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes. Thus, Dracaena loureiri exerts a moderate immunosuppressive and anti-exudative effect.

The saponins and steroid-like substances of the plant are also involved in the regulation of lipid metabolism, mediating effects on PPAR-gamma receptors and the activation of fatty acid beta-oxidation enzymes. This may affect fat metabolism at the systemic level, especially in the presence of concomitant metabolic regulation disorders.

The neurotropic effects of Dracaena loureiri are described as moderate sedative and anxiolytic, probably due to the ability of individual components to influence the GABA-ergic system and serotonergic receptors of the brain. At the same time, no pronounced sedation is observed, but a mild decrease in motor activity and a reduction in behavioral responses to stress in model studies are recorded.

A vasodilating effect has also been identified, realized through modulation of nitric oxide (NO) levels and endothelial function. This is accompanied by a decrease in the tone of the smooth muscles of the vascular wall and a moderate decrease in vascular resistance in regional blood flow basins.

The pharmacological targets of Dracaena loureiri include steroid hormone receptors, pro-oxidant enzyme complexes, inflammatory mediators, and transcription factors responsible for the expression of cytokines and enzymes. The effects of the drug are formed both at the level of target cells and in the systemic circulation.

References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/ar...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://www.tci-thaijo.org/ind...

Pharmacokinetics — Dracaena loureiri

The pharmacokinetic features of the biologically active components of Dracaena loureiri have not been fully investigated; however, based on the profile of substances (predominantly polyphenolic and saponin nature) and the dosage forms used, it is possible to reconstruct the proposed pharmacokinetic pathway.

With oral administration (in the form of powder, dry extract, alcohol tincture), the main active substances undergo absorption in the small intestine. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids demonstrate moderate absorption, with a significant portion metabolized in enterocytes and undergoing first-pass metabolism in the liver. Saponins are absorbed slowly and partially transformed by the intestinal microflora, with some metabolites exhibiting more pronounced biological activity than the parent compounds.

The distribution of active substances occurs predominantly in the liver, kidneys, skin, and mucous membranes. Accumulation of individual polar fractions in extracellular fluid and lymph nodes is possible. With course administration of flavonoids, their gradual accumulation in tissues with a high content of collagen and elastin is observed.

Metabolism proceeds predominantly in the liver with the participation of cytochrome P450 enzyme systems. Polyphenols and flavonoids undergo conjugation to form glucuronides and sulfates. For saponins, deglycosylation followed by transformation into steroid derivatives with partial participation of microflora predominates.

Excretion is carried out by the kidneys (mainly water-soluble metabolites) and with bile (conjugates). Some substances are excreted through the intestine as unchanged fractions. An insignificant amount may be excreted with sweat and through mucous membranes.

For transdermal and mucosal forms (nasal, ear drops), local absorption with limited systemic entry is characteristic, especially with preserved epithelial integrity. In this case, the main effect is formed at the level of the mucous membrane or outer ear.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of the components of Dracaena loureiri is characterized by moderate systemic bioavailability, hepatic metabolism, and predominantly renal-biliary excretion.

References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/ar...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35397899/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2225411020300751

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Dracaena loureiri

The pharmacological action of Dracaena loureiri is due to the presence of flavonoids, steroidal saponins, phenolic acids, and phytosterols, acting on various levels of regulation. In experiments, it has been established that one of the key mechanisms of action is associated with the inhibition of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, responsible for the intracellular biotransformation of steroid hormones. This suggests the involvement of Dracaena loureiri in modulating the activity of nuclear androgen receptors and reducing hormone-dependent stimulation of specific cellular structures. Studies also confirm a decrease in the activity of receptor targets of the NR3C class, indicating participation in hormone-receptor mechanisms of gene expression regulation.

The presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids substantiates the antioxidant effect of the plant, realized through the neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancement of the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase). These effects are associated with an influence on the transcription factor Nrf2 and suppression of NADPH-oxidase activity. The antioxidant cascade is accompanied by stabilization of membrane structures, reduction of lipid peroxidation, and protection of the mitochondrial apparatus from oxidative damage.

The phenolic components of Dracaena loureiri are involved in the regulation of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. In particular, suppression of the expression of the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and a decrease in the levels of prostaglandins PGE2 are observed. These effects are realized through suppression of the transcription factor NF-κB and the JNK submodule of the MAPK cascade, which is confirmed by a decrease in the concentration of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in cellular and animal models. An effect on the expression of endothelial adhesion molecules has also been noted, allowing assessment of the potential for anti-exudative and vascular stabilizing action.

The participation of plant components in the regulation of lipid metabolism through the activation of nuclear receptors PPAR-α and PPAR-γ has been established. This is accompanied by a decrease in the expression of genes responsible for lipogenesis and an increase in the expression of beta-oxidation enzymes. This effect may be significant in the context of metabolic adaptation and modulation of energy metabolism.

Additional mechanisms include effects on neurotransmitter systems. Some components exhibit affinity for GABA receptors (GABA-A), which is confirmed by a decrease in the frequency of excitatory synaptic potentials in neuronal models. This may explain the sedative-modulating potential of the plant, including in relation to behavioral responses in stress-induced protocols.

A number of compounds present in Dracaena loureiri also exhibit inhibitory activity towards the enzyme α-glucosidase, involved in the breakdown of carbohydrates in the small intestine. This suggests a local effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa, limiting the postprandial rise in glucose levels.

Thus, confirmed mechanisms of action include: antiandrogenic regulation through inhibition of steroidogenesis enzymes, antioxidant action through activation of Nrf2, anti-inflammatory action through suppression of NF-κB and COX-2, metabolic modulation through PPAR receptors, and effects on GABAergic neuronal cascades.

References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/ar...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://www.tci-thaijo.org/ind...

Synergy — Dracaena loureiri

Scientific research confirms the presence of pharmacological synergy between Dracaena loureiri and several natural agents when used together. One of the most studied examples is the interaction with plants containing polyphenols and saponins, in particular with Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), and Nigella sativa (black cumin). The combined use of these agents in experimental models demonstrated an enhancement of antioxidant potential, which was expressed in a more pronounced reduction of malondialdehyde levels and stabilization of the activity of enzymatic antioxidants. The mechanism of synergy is presumably realized through activation of the Nrf2/ARE transcriptional cascade and suppression of NADPH-oxidase pro-oxidant activity.

The pharmacological combination of Dracaena loureiri with Camellia sinensis (green tea) in vitro demonstrated additive and partially potentiating anti-inflammatory effects. The combined inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production and COX-2 expression is explained by the cumulative effect on the signaling pathways NF-κB and p38 MAPK, which is confirmed by a decrease in the concentration of TNF-α and IL-6 in cultures of activated macrophages.

Modulating synergy between Dracaena loureiri and Curcuma longa (turmeric) in relation to lipid metabolism has also been established. The combined use of extracts of these plants led to a greater reduction in plasma triglyceride and total lipid levels in animals with experimental metabolic disorders. The involvement of nuclear receptors PPAR-γ in this effect is assumed, with potential additive activation of signaling cascades regulating lipid homeostasis.

Some publications describe protective synergy between Dracaena loureiri and plants with immunostimulating effects, for example, with Panax ginseng. The combined use of extracts led to a more balanced regulation of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, modulating the activity of Th1/Th2 lymphocytes and reducing the level of oxidative stress in immunocompetent tissues.

Thus, the synergy of Dracaena loureiri can be characterized as predominantly potentiating and modulating in relation to the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolically active action of other plant agents. In most cases, the interaction is realized at the systemic level through common transcriptional and receptor cascades, which confirms its potential use in complex phytoformulas.

References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/ar...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.tci-thaijo.org/ind...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Dracaena loureiri

Dracaena loureiri is an endemic species for Southeast Asia, with a range covering Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and the northern regions of Vietnam. The plant is most widespread in traditional medicine in the Siamese (Thai) and Laotian healing traditions, where it is used under the name "แดงไผ่" (deng phai) — which translates as "red bamboo," although the plant is not a member of the grass family. In Thai traditional medicine, Dracaena loureiri belongs to the category of "plants of strength" and is used as an integral part of multicomponent formulations, mainly in the form of alcohol tinctures and powders.

The leaves, bark, and especially the rhizomes of the plant were subjected to prolonged maceration in rice spirit, after which the resulting infusion was consumed in small quantities according to special rituals, usually by middle-aged and older men. In folk beliefs, the roots of Dracaena loureiri were associated with vitality, resilience, and masculine energy, which determined their frequent use in rituals related to initiation, recovery from illness, and enhancement of personal charisma. It was believed that the plant strengthens the spirit and "hot blood," cleanses the body, and brings confidence in affairs. These ritual associations are most fully recorded in the practices of monasteries in northern Thailand and among the Kham people in the eastern Laotian province of Savannakhet.

Traditional recipes also describe the use of Dracaena loureiri wood in powder form, which was added to smoking mixtures or mixed with oils for rubbing into the skin. In some village cults, the plant was considered protective, with its dried shoots hung in dwellings and above entrances as a talisman against evil spirits and envy. In 19th-century ethnomedical compilations written in the Thai language, Dracaena loureiri is mentioned as part of formulas intended for restoring male strength, purifying the blood, and harmonizing vital flows.

Despite the oral nature of traditional knowledge transfer, written sources recorded in the chronicles of temples in Nakhon Ratchasima province indicate the use of the plant at least since the 18th century. Later, it began to appear in regional pharmacy registries and herbal reference books, especially in works devoted to male health and the "fiery nature" of the body. In ritual practices involving shamans of the Khmer people, Dracaena loureiri could be used as an incense agent accompanying cleansing sessions, meditations, and divination rituals.