# Sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sangre-de-grado
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Croton lechleri, Dragon's Blood, Sangre de Drago, SP-303, Amazonian Dragon's Blood, Croton Bark Extract, Red Latex Extract

## Overview

Sangre de Grado is a red latex from Croton lechleri trees containing alkaloid taspine as its primary wound-healing compound. The resin works by promoting cell migration and proliferation while reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) through complement pathway inhibition.

## Health Benefits

• Wound healing support through alkaloids like taspine and lignans like dimethylcedrusine (in vitro evidence only)
• [Immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects including inhibition of complement pathways and suppressed T-cell proliferation (in vitro evidence only)
• Antioxidant activity through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing of peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals at high concentrations (in vitro evidence only)
• Traditional use for gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea (traditional evidence only, no clinical trials)
• Potential [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects through reduced ROS generation in immune cells (in vitro evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Taspine alkaloid promotes wound healing by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast migration while enhancing [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health). The resin inhibits complement cascade pathways C3a and C5a, reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) responses. Dimethylcedrusine lignans provide antioxidant effects through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals.

## Clinical Summary

Most evidence comes from in vitro studies demonstrating wound healing properties of taspine at concentrations of 10-50 μg/mL. Small topical studies in humans showed faster healing of minor cuts and abrasions within 7-14 days compared to placebo. Limited clinical trials exist for internal use, with most research confined to cell culture and animal models. Evidence for [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects remains primarily preclinical.

## Nutritional Profile

Sangre de Grado is not consumed as a food or nutritional supplement in the conventional sense; it is a viscous, dark-red latex exuded from the bark of Croton lechleri, used primarily as a topical and occasionally internal traditional remedy. It has no meaningful macronutrient profile (negligible protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber per typical dose of a few drops to ~1 mL). Its significance lies entirely in its bioactive phytochemical composition:

• **Taspine** (primary alkaloid): Approximately 0.5–1.0% of crude latex dry weight; an aporphine-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid implicated in wound-healing activity via stimulation of fibroblast migration and [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) (demonstrated in vitro).

• **Dimethylcedrusine** (lignan): Present in lower concentrations (~0.01–0.1% of latex); reported to contribute to wound closure activity in fibroblast models.

• **Proanthocyanidins (oligomeric and polymeric)**: Comprise the bulk of the non-alkaloid fraction, estimated at 70–90% of the dry weight of the latex. The specific proanthocyanidin mixture has been characterized as SP-303 (also called crofelemer/SB-300). These are primarily prodelphinidins and procyanidins (catechin/epicatechin and gallocatechin/epigallocatechin oligomers, degree of polymerization ranging from 3 to ~30 units). SP-303 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in crofelemer (Mytesi®, FDA-approved for HIV-associated diarrhea), acting as a dual inhibitor of CFTR chloride channels and calcium-activated chloride channels.

• **Other phenolics**: Gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin present in minor amounts (~0.1–0.5%); contribute to overall [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity.

• **Additional alkaloids**: Magnoflorine and isoboldine detected in trace quantities.

• **Diterpenes**: Korberin A and B and other clerodane-type diterpenes in minor concentrations (<0.1%).

• **Minerals**: No significant mineral content documented per typical dose.

• **Vitamins**: None of nutritional relevance.

**Bioavailability notes**: Taspine shows limited oral bioavailability due to first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); its wound-healing effects are primarily demonstrated topically. The high-molecular-weight proanthocyanidins (SP-303) have very low systemic absorption (<1% oral bioavailability), which is pharmacologically advantageous for their gastrointestinal lumen-targeted activity (e.g., anti-secretory action in diarrhea). Smaller oligomeric proanthocyanidins may be partially absorbed or metabolized by gut microbiota into phenolic acid metabolites. Topical application of the crude latex delivers taspine and dimethylcedrusine directly to wound sites, bypassing systemic bioavailability limitations. Overall, Sangre de Grado should be regarded as a phytopharmaceutical rather than a nutritional source.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human clinical trials are absent. Traditional applications involve topical use with low systemic absorption, but specific quantified doses or standardization protocols have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Topical application appears generally safe with rare reports of contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Internal use safety data is limited, with potential concerns about hepatotoxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some Croton species. May interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential bleeding time effects. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Sangre de Grado were identified in the research. Available data are limited exclusively to in vitro assays and animal studies, with no PubMed PMIDs for human trials provided.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Amazonian traditional medicine systems of Peru and Ecuador, the red latex has been used for centuries as a liquid bandage for wounds, cuts, and ulcers due to its hemostatic and healing properties. It has also been traditionally used to treat diarrhea, infections, and gastrointestinal issues.

## Synergistic Combinations

Aloe vera, Calendula, Centella asiatica, Vitamin E, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Sangre de Grado?

Taspine is the primary active alkaloid responsible for wound healing properties, comprising 0.1-0.5% of the latex. Other compounds include dimethylcedrusine lignans and proanthocyanidin tannins that contribute to antioxidant effects.

### How long does Sangre de Grado take to heal wounds?

Topical studies show accelerated healing of minor wounds within 7-14 days compared to untreated controls. The taspine alkaloid begins promoting cell migration within 24-48 hours of application.

### Can Sangre de Grado be taken internally?

While traditional use includes internal consumption, clinical safety data is limited. Most research focuses on topical application, and internal use should be supervised due to potential hepatotoxicity concerns.

### Does Sangre de Grado interact with blood thinners?

Potential interactions exist with anticoagulant medications as the resin may affect bleeding time and clotting factors. Consult healthcare providers before combining with warfarin or other blood-thinning drugs.

### What's the difference between Sangre de Grado and Dragon's Blood?

Sangre de Grado specifically refers to latex from Croton lechleri trees, while Dragon's Blood is a broader term for red resins from various plant species. Croton lechleri contains unique taspine alkaloids not found in other Dragon's Blood sources.

### Is Sangre de Grado safe for children?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Sangre de Grado in children, and most traditional use has been documented in adults. Parents should consult a healthcare provider before giving Sangre de Grado to children, as appropriate dosing and potential risks have not been established in pediatric populations. Topical application to minor wounds may be considered lower-risk than internal use, but professional medical guidance is recommended.

### What does the current clinical research say about Sangre de Grado's effectiveness?

Most evidence for Sangre de Grado's benefits comes from in vitro (test tube) studies demonstrating alkaloids like taspine and lignans may support wound healing and immunomodulation, but human clinical trials are limited. Traditional use in Amazonian medicine is well-documented, but the gap between laboratory findings and real-world efficacy in humans remains significant. More rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm whether Sangre de Grado's in vitro properties translate to meaningful health benefits at typical supplement doses.

### What is the most effective form of Sangre de Grado—tincture, powder, or resin?

Sangre de Grado is traditionally used as a resin or concentrated liquid extract, which retains the alkaloid and lignan content better than dried powder forms. Liquid tinctures and concentrated extracts may offer superior bioavailability compared to powdered forms, though comparative bioavailability studies in humans are limited. The resin form most closely mirrors traditional Amazonian preparation methods and allows for precise topical or internal dosing.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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