Dragon's Blood - Sangre de Drago

Detailed Description

Natural Peruvian disinfectant with anti-diarrheal properties.

Botanical Information

Croton lechleri, the plant from which dragon's blood is derived, is a tree that can reach nearly 20 meters in height and typically has a mushroom-shaped (or, according to some sources, umbrella-like) crown. It originates from the Amazon rainforests. The trunk has dark gray, highly speckled bark. The tree features heart-shaped, light green, hairy leaves about 30 cm long and light, greenish-white flowers that grow in clusters. Its fruits are small, reddish berries. Dragon's blood is a dark red, foamy sap that exudes from incisions or scrapes on the tree's bark made with a sharp tool. The color and character of the sap accurately reflect its evocative name, 'dragon's blood.'

Origin and Distribution

This tree is native to the Amazon rainforest and the foothills or higher elevations of the Andes, where it grows at altitudes from 300 to 2000 meters above sea level. Today, most dragon's blood is sourced from plantations in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The tree has not naturalized outside its original range, and there are no accounts of Croton lechleri cultivation overseas or elsewhere for profit.

Usage / Dosage

Dragon's blood is a resin obtained from the Croton lechleri tree, though commercial products called 'dragon's blood' are also sourced from other trees globally—including Dracaena draco (native to the Canary Islands), Daemonorops draco (from Southeast Asia), Pterocarpus draco (from the West Indies), and other Croton species from the rainforests of Central and South America. Western civilization first learned of dragon's blood through Spanish explorers, notably the missionary Bernabé Cobo in the 1600s, who documented dragon's blood’s beneficial effects for various uses in local traditional medicine, both external and internal.

Clinical studies have shown that extract of dragon's blood (in particular, the SP 303 extract) can reduce symptoms of diarrhea in advanced HIV patients and has demonstrated anti-diarrheal effects on traveler’s diarrhea and watery diarrhea. Ample evidence supports the claim that dragon's blood compounds, when taken internally, are effective for numerous types of diarrhea. Research also notes anti-diarrheal effects in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy with non-infectious digestive issues. In the GI tract, dragon's blood compounds seem to reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and animal studies highlight their benefits for stomach and intestinal ulcers. Early studies suggest possible benefits in the treatment of hepatitis A, B, and C, as well as bloating and dyspepsia.

Further research indicates that compounds isolated from Croton lechleri are effective when directly applied to the skin for treating genital and anal herpes simplex infections in patients with chronic HIV. Moreover, these compounds have shown synergy when combined with commonly used antivirals like acyclovir, though they are less effective for patients unresponsive to acyclovir alone.

A higher level of clinical evidence has shown that Sangre de Grado resin provides relief for skin symptoms following painful insect bites (from wasps, bees, and Amazonian ants). Dragon's blood has also proven helpful for allergic skin reactions, eczema-like rashes, and actual eczema. External use is recommended for hemorrhoids, venous ulcers, burns, and cuts.

The active compounds in dragon's blood have been tested in various oral health settings. Early studies demonstrated benefits for treating oral and throat ulcers, bleeding gums, and mouth sores. Some compounds present notable antibacterial effects. Dragon's blood may be used as a mouth rinse or gargle for tonsillitis, oral infections, dental inflammation, and painful mouth ulcers.

Several studies have examined the medicinal and anticancer potential of dragon's blood compounds. One focused on the alkaloid taspine, which demonstrated in vitro inhibition of skin melanoma cell growth and colon cancer cells. Other compounds also appear capable of inhibiting cancer growth in appropriate concentrations.

Compounds in dragon's blood can strengthen the immune system. Numerous in vitro studies have measured the immunomodulatory activity of dragon's blood, tracking the activity of human neutrophils, monocytes, and phagocytes using flow cytometry and other methods. The sap also demonstrated free radical scavenging properties and antioxidant effects, together with the stimulation of immune system components. In animal testing, it showed anti-inflammatory effects. Overall, dragon's blood (from Croton lechleri) produced an immunomodulating effect likely mediated by T lymphocyte activation.

Traditional/Folk Medicine

In folk medicine, the liquid latex from Croton lechleri—dragon's blood—is applied for treating minor skin issues. Topically, dragon's blood is believed to accelerate healing and seal wounds. Folk tradition holds that its antibiotic, antiviral, and protective properties are so potent that it can prevent infection from entering wounds. Its anti-infective properties have also been harnessed in treating lung inflammations. Traditionally, it is also valued in managing hemorrhoids topically. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Croton is said to affect the energetic meridians of the spleen, stomach, small and large intestines, jing and yang connective channels, and is administered for related complaints.

Active Compounds

Dragon's blood contains abundant terpenes found in the volatile oil and resin. Key constituents include alpha-calacoren, alpha-thujene, alpha-pinene, alpha-elemen, alpha-caryophyllene, alpha-copaene, borneol, betaine, D-limonene, eugenol, alpha-terpinene, alpha-terpineol, korberin A and B, linalool, myrcene, para-cymene, salutaridine, sinoacutine, taspine, vanillin, terpinen-4-ol, sparsiflorin, hydrochlortaspine, lignin, methylthymol, depentene, camphene, acids (eugenic, benzoic, pectic), plant steroids, dihydrobenzofuran, alkaloids (isoboldine and norisoboldine), tannins (notably catechins), sugars (galactose, rhamnose, lactose), saponins, proanthocyanidins, and other compounds.

Traditional Dosage

For internal use: 10–15 drops dissolved in about 100 ml of water, taken 3 times daily. For mouth rinsing (external use): generally, 30 drops diluted in water, used for gargling 3–5 times daily. It can also be applied with a cotton swab to affected areas in the mouth. Compresses or bandages soaked in dragon's blood resin are applied to skin lesions or warts once or twice daily, as needed, and repeated for several days. To prevent allergic reaction, it is recommended to apply about 2 drops on the elbow and rub in before use; if no itching or redness occurs, it can be safely used. Warts should fall away on their own, and allergic reactions should subside. For cuts and scrapes, apply dragon's blood directly to the affected area. After 3 weeks of continuous use, it is advised to take a break from dragon's blood.