Multifunctional Benefits of Snake Plant: Air Purification and Health Applications

Abstract

Sansevieria name is derived from that of Duke Raimondodi Sangrio, Prince of Sanseviero (Italy). It is also known as snake plant and mother in law’s tongue. There are more than 100 species in this genus native to Tropical and South Africa. According to Chinese people, the snake plant is one of the lucky plants that help to bring good fortune, were grown and cherished well before the Chinese Ti-plant (Dracaena spp.) also known as good luck bamboo. It is perennial herb with stiff, ornamental leaves. Sansevieria tops the list as being most tolerant of all decorative plants to survive the most unsuitable growing conditions. The durability of Sansevieria makes it an excellent choice for apartment dweller that often have limited success with house plant due to lighting issues.  Snake plant is classic yet versatile house plant with sword like foliage design. It is excellent for forgetful gardener and it’s considered a top air purifier plant for indoor environment and also eliminates considerable amount of benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and toluene. Placing Sansevieria trifasciata in the office could reduce the CO2 concentration by 10.47% to 19.29%. It has shown many pharmacological activities such as analgesic, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, etc. The air purification by Dracaena trifasciata are taken in this review.