Sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri / Dragon's Blood)

Sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri) is not consumed as a conventional food and therefore lacks a standard macronutrient profile (negligible calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates per typical dose of 5–20 drops or ~0.5–1 mL of resin). Its therapeutic value derives almost entirely from its bioactive compounds. Primary bioactive compound: Taspine (an alkaloid, approximately 0.5–1.0% of crude latex by weight) — a potent anti-inflammatory and wound-healing agent that stimulates fibroblast migration and collagen synthesis. Key phenolic compounds: Proanthocyanidins (oligomeric and polymeric), collectively known as SP-303 (or crofelemer), constitute up to 60–90% of the dried latex mass; these are dense condensed tannins (catechin/epicatechin-based polymers) with strong antioxidant, antiviral, and antisecretory activity. The ORAC antioxidant value of the resin is exceptionally high, estimated at >50,000 µmol TE/g. Other alkaloids: 3′,4-O-dimethylcedrusine (~0.01–0.05%), magnoflorine, and isoboldine present in trace amounts. Lignans: Dimethylcedrusine, contributing to anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Diterpenes: Korberin A and korberin B (clerodane diterpenes) in trace concentrations, contributing to cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity. Phenolic acids and flavonoids: Gallic acid, epicatechin (~1–3%), catechin, and gallocatechin are present as monomeric units and building blocks of the proanthocyanidin matrix. Minerals: Trace amounts of iron, zinc, and manganese have been detected in the latex but are not nutritionally significant at typical dosage. Vitamins: No significant vitamin content documented. Bioavailability notes: The proanthocyanidins (SP-303/crofelemer) have low systemic bioavailability when taken orally due to their high molecular weight and strong protein-binding capacity; however, this is therapeutically advantageous as they act locally in the gastrointestinal lumen (FDA-approved as crofelemer for secretory diarrhea). Taspine is readily absorbed both topically and orally. Topical application of the whole latex delivers taspine and proanthocyanidins directly to wound sites with high local bioavailability. The resin's dense tannin matrix may reduce absorption of co-administered minerals or medications due to chelation.