# Dragon's Blood (Croton lechleri)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/dragon-s-blood
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Croton lechleri, Sangre de drago, Sangre de grado, Croton draco, Crofelemer, Dragon tree resin, Amazon dragon's blood, Sangre del dragón

## Overview

Dragon's blood from Croton lechleri contains taspine and proanthocyanidins that form protective barriers on damaged tissue. The FDA-approved extract crofelemer blocks chloride channels in intestinal epithelium, reducing secretory diarrhea.

## Health Benefits

• FDA-approved for HIV-associated diarrhea: Crofelemer extract significantly reduced diarrhea symptoms in two Phase 3 RCTs (n=380 and n=236)
• Wound healing support: Forms protective barrier through protein co-precipitation with demonstrated antimicrobial properties (traditional use, in vitro evidence)
• [Immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) modulation: Inhibits complement pathways and T-cell proliferation (PMID: 14598201, in vitro study)
• Antiviral activity: SP-303 extract shows effects against HSV and influenza viruses (in vitro evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Reduces [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in immune cells (in vitro evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Crofelemer blocks cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and calcium-activated chloride channels in intestinal epithelial cells, reducing fluid secretion. Taspine and proanthocyanidins precipitate with tissue proteins to form protective films over wounds. The phenolic compounds exhibit [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against gram-positive bacteria through cell wall disruption.

## Clinical Summary

Two Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (n=380 and n=236) demonstrated crofelemer's efficacy for HIV-associated diarrhea, leading to FDA approval. The extract significantly reduced loose stools and improved quality of life scores compared to placebo. Wound healing evidence relies primarily on traditional use and in vitro [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) studies, with limited human clinical data. Additional studies show modest [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, but sample sizes remain small.

## Nutritional Profile

Dragon's Blood is not consumed as a food/nutritional source but as a medicinal latex resin; therefore, standard macronutrient profiling (carbohydrates, fats, protein, fiber) is not applicable in conventional dietary terms. Its significance lies entirely in its bioactive phytochemical composition:

**Primary Bioactive Compounds:**
• **Taspine** (alkaloid): ~0.5–1.0% of dried latex; major wound-healing compound acting as an [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and cell-migration stimulant (promotes fibroblast proliferation)
• **Proanthocyanidins (SP-303 / Crofelemer)**: Oligomeric proanthocyanidins constitute ~60–90% of the dry weight of the latex; the purified extract (crofelemer) is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Mytesi® (FDA-approved); acts as a dual inhibitor of CFTR chloride channels and calcium-activated chloride channels (CaCC) in intestinal epithelium
• **Catechin and epicatechin**: Present at approximately 1–3% of dry latex; contribute to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity
• **Dimethylcedrusine** (lignan): ~0.01–0.05%; contributes to wound-healing properties
• **3',4-O-dimethylcedrusine**: Lignan with documented in vitro cell proliferation activity

**Other Phenolic Compounds:**
• Gallocatechin, epigallocatechin: trace to minor concentrations
• Proanthocyanidin oligomers (dimers through decamers): bulk of polyphenol fraction
• Total polyphenol content: estimated at 70–90% of dried resin by weight (exceptionally high compared to most botanical preparations)

**Terpenoid Fraction (minor):**
• Hardwickiic acid and related clerodane diterpenes: <1% of dry latex

**Mineral Content:**
• Not a significant source of dietary minerals; trace amounts of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron have been detected in crude latex but are not nutritionally relevant at typical dosing (1–5 mL per day traditionally, or 125 mg crofelemer tablet pharmaceutically)

**Vitamins:** No significant vitamin content documented.

**Bioavailability Notes:**
• Crofelemer (SP-303) has intentionally minimal systemic absorption (<0.5% oral bioavailability); it acts locally on the GI lumen, which is pharmacologically advantageous for its antisecretory mechanism and contributes to its favorable safety profile
• Taspine is absorbed systemically when applied topically to wounds, facilitating local anti-inflammatory and cell-migration effects
• The high molecular weight of oligomeric proanthocyanidins (MW ~1,500–3,000 Da) limits systemic absorption; most activity is localized to the gastrointestinal tract or site of topical application
• Monomeric catechins (catechin, epicatechin) have moderate oral bioavailability (~5–15%), similar to dietary sources like tea and cocoa
• Traditional preparation (diluting drops of latex in water) may influence proanthocyanidin aggregation state and therefore bioaccessibility

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage: Crofelemer (standardized extract) 125mg orally twice daily for HIV-associated diarrhea. Traditional topical use involves undiluted sap applied directly to wounds. No established safe dosage range for crude resin or non-standardized extracts. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Dragon's blood extract is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal side effects reported in clinical trials. No significant drug interactions have been documented, though theoretical concerns exist with medications requiring intestinal absorption due to barrier formation. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding is unknown due to insufficient data. Individuals with bleeding disorders should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential wound healing effects.

## Scientific Research

The FDA approved crofelemer (SP-303), a purified proanthocyanidin from Dragon's Blood, in 2013 based on two pivotal Phase 3 RCTs showing significant reduction in HIV-associated diarrhea at 125mg twice daily. One in vitro study (PMID: 14598201) demonstrated immune-modulating effects through complement pathway inhibition, though most evidence remains limited to laboratory and animal studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Dragon's Blood (sangre de drago) has been used for centuries in Amazonian indigenous medicine as a liquid bandage for wounds, cuts, and ulcers. Traditional applications include treatment for diarrhea, viral infections, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), with use predating scientific documentation.

## Synergistic Combinations

Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Aloe Vera, Zinc, Glutamine

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is crofelemer and how is it related to dragon's blood?

Crofelemer is the FDA-approved pharmaceutical extract derived from Croton lechleri (dragon's blood). It contains standardized proanthocyanidins and is specifically approved for treating HIV-associated diarrhea under the brand name Fulyzaq.

### How effective is dragon's blood for diarrhea?

Phase 3 trials showed crofelemer reduced loose stools by approximately 18% compared to placebo in HIV patients. The effect was statistically significant but modest, with about 31% of patients achieving clinical response versus 21% with placebo.

### Can dragon's blood heal wounds faster?

Traditional use supports wound healing properties, and in vitro studies show antimicrobial effects against skin bacteria. However, controlled human studies demonstrating accelerated wound healing are lacking, limiting evidence to laboratory and traditional use data.

### What's the recommended dosage for dragon's blood supplements?

For FDA-approved crofelemer, the dosage is 125mg twice daily for diarrhea. Unregulated supplements vary widely in concentration and standardization, making specific dosing recommendations difficult without knowing the exact extract potency.

### Are there side effects from taking dragon's blood extract?

Clinical trials reported mild side effects including nausea, upper respiratory infections, and abdominal pain occurring in less than 10% of patients. These effects were generally comparable to placebo groups and considered mild to moderate in severity.

### Is dragon's blood safe to take with HIV medications or antiretroviral drugs?

Dragon's blood (crofelemer) is FDA-approved specifically for HIV-associated diarrhea and has been studied alongside antiretroviral therapy in clinical trials without major safety concerns reported. However, because crofelemer modulates immune function by inhibiting T-cell proliferation and complement pathways, you should consult your HIV care provider before combining it with your specific antiretroviral regimen to ensure no therapeutic conflicts. Drug interaction data is limited outside the HIV-diarrhea context, so professional medical guidance is essential for your individual treatment plan.

### Is dragon's blood extract safe for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers?

There is insufficient clinical research on dragon's blood safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it is not recommended for these populations without explicit medical clearance. Traditional use does not provide adequate modern safety evidence for vulnerable periods when fetal and infant health are critical considerations. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using any dragon's blood supplement.

### What does the clinical research actually show about dragon's blood's immune effects?

Dragon's blood extract has demonstrated immune modulation in research by inhibiting complement pathway activation and reducing T-cell proliferation, mechanisms that may contribute to its anti-inflammatory properties. Two Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (involving 380 and 236 HIV patients) showed significant effectiveness for diarrhea symptom reduction, suggesting these immune mechanisms have clinical relevance in specific disease contexts. However, research on immune effects in healthy individuals or non-HIV populations remains limited, so broader immune claims should be viewed as preliminary.

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