Sangre de Drago / Dragon's Blood
Croton lechleri
Sangre de Drago (Dragon's Blood) is the deep red latex tapped from Croton lechleri trees in the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon. It has been used by Amazonian healers for millennia to seal wounds, treat gastrointestinal cancers, and support immune function. The principal alkaloid taspine is a proven wound-healing and anti-tumour agent — inducing apoptosis in colon, breast, and cervical cancer cell lines. SP-303 (crofelemer), derived from Dragon's Blood, is FDA-approved for HIV-related diarrhoea, validating the plant's pharmaceutical potential. Proanthocyanidins in the resin inhibit DNA topoisomerase I and II — the same target as topotecan and etoposide chemotherapy drugs — at remarkably low concentrations. Traditional Amazonian healers use it topically for skin tumours and orally for internal cancers.
Medicinal Properties
Cancer Types Studied
Recommended Dosage
10–15 drops of pure resin in water, 2–3 times daily. Or 250–500 mg standardised extract. Topical: apply resin directly to skin lesions.
Preparations
Resin in Water (Internal)
10–15 drops pure Sangre de Drago resin stirred into 200 ml water 2–3 times daily before meals. The resin foams slightly when mixed — this is normal.
Topical Application
Apply 1–2 drops pure resin directly to skin lesions, wounds, or tumours. Dries to form a protective seal. Used by Amazonian healers as a wound closure and tumour treatment.
NIH / PubMed Research
Links open on PubMed (National Library of Medicine). Research is ongoing — results may not reflect clinical use.
Cautions & Interactions
- May cause nausea at high oral doses — start with 5 drops and increase gradually
- Limited human clinical trial data for cancer — traditional and in vitro evidence primarily
- May interact with anticoagulants and immunosuppressants
- Avoid during pregnancy
- Ensure product is pure Croton lechleri resin — adulteration is common
Related Herbs
Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before use.