Common Name: Sangre De Drago

General Information

Croton lechleri is a tree with a broad but open crown, that grows from 10- 20 metres tall. The bole is usually less than 30cm in diameter. When the trunk of the tree is cut or wounded, a dark red, sappy resin oozes out as if the tree is bleeding[, ].
The sap is a popular and effective herbal treatment, and so it is commonly harvested from the wild for both local use and for trade. It is also an ingredient of commercial cosmetic preparations. The tree is a valuable species for use as a pioneer when restoring the native forests.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habitat

Secondary forest.

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a well-drained, fertile soil[]. Most Croton species are relatively indifferent to their habitat and can grow on a wide range of soils in both disturbed and undisturbed vegetation[].
A fast-growing tree[].
This species is one of several that supply a red resin from their stem. This resin, often known as 'Dragon's Blood' is often used as an external application to treat a range of skin problems and injuries[]. Dragon's Blood can be obtained from several species in this genus, as well as from three other distinct genera - Dracaena species, Daemonorops species and Pterocarpus species[]

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Sangre de drago is a common name for several species of trees in the genus Croton - all have a red sap (latex) and can be used interchangeably. The red sap or latex (and also its bark) has a long history of indigenous use in the rainforest and in South America. The curative power of the sap was widely known throughout the indigenous tribes of Mexico, Peru, and Ecuador. Modern research has shown that it is a very effective treatment for a wide range of injuries and disorders, particularly relating to the skin; both internal and external ulcers; is an effective antiviral and also helps in the treatment of tumours[].
The latex is considered to be antiinflammatory, antiparasitic, antiseptic, cholagogue and vulnerary. The latex stimulates bile flow and has a general cleansing and tonic effect upon the body and so can be helpful in the treatment of a wide range of conditions Taken internally, it is used traditionally to treat gastritis, stomach ulcers, intestinal inflammations, rheumatism, menstrual conditions, hepatitis
Applied externally or taken as a gargle, it is used as a healing agent to treat wounds and cuts; to treat dermatitis and skin blemishes; remove pimples from the skin and tongue; to heal injured and inflamed gums; to treat sore throats and other throat diseases; to relieve toothache[].

The resin or sap is a storehouse of phytochemicals including proanthocyanidins (antioxidants), simple phenols, diterpenes, phytosterols, and biologically active alkaloids and lignans Scientists have attributed many of the biologically active properties of the sap (especially its wound-healing capacity) to two main 'active' constituents: an alkaloid named taspine, and a lignan named dimethylcedrusine[].
Taspine has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antitumor and antiviral actions, and to be active against the herpes virus[].
The lignan ‘dimethylcedrusine’ has been shown to play a central role in the resin’s effective wound-healing action. The study revealed that the crude resin stimulated contraction of wounds, helped in the formation of a crust/scab at the wound site, regenerated skin more rapidly, and assisted in the formation of new collagen[].
Other phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, proanthocyanadins, and diterpenes, have shown potent antibacterial activity (against E. Coli and Bacillus subtilis) as well as wound-healing properties[]. Research has shown that the resin is a potent, cost-effective treatment for gastrointestinal ulcers and distress via antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and sensory afferent-dependent actions[].
The resin has also shown an in vitro effect against stomach cancer and colon cancer cells[]. It inhibits the growth of a human myelogenous leukaemia cell line and also prevents cells from mutating in test tube studies[].

The sap is antibacterial, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antipruritic, antitumor, haemostatic and vulnerary[]. It is used internally in the treatment of intestinal and stomach ulcers; upper respiratory viruses; stomach viruses; and HIV[, ]. For internal use, the traditional remedy is 10 - 15 drops in a small amount of liquid, taken 1-3 times daily (be prepared, however; it tastes quite dreadful)[].
It is taken as a douche for relieving vaginal discharge[].
The sap is painted on wounds to staunch bleeding, to accelerate healing, and to seal and protect injuries from infection. The sap dries quickly and forms a barrier, much like a ‘second skin’. It is used as a treatment on wounds, insect bites and stings, skin disorders, fractures, and haemorrhoids., Other uses include treating inflamed or infected gums, in vaginal baths before and after childbirth, for haemorrhaging after childbirth, and for a wide range of skin disorders[, ].
For external use, the resin is rubbed directly on the affected area several times daily and allowed to dry. Please note: the resin is red! It will temporarily stain the skin a reddish-brown (which will wash off), but it will permanently stain clothing. Rubbing the resin in the palm of the hand first or directly where applied will thicken the resin into a thin, lighter coloured paste, which helps form a second skin on top of a wound or rash and reduces staining[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree has an open, though broad crown. It intercrops well with smaller trees[].
It can be used as a living fence, as a pioneer plant for regeneration of the forest[].

Other Uses

The resin obtained from the plant is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as an antioxidant[].
An extract of the sap is used as an ingredient in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner[].

The wood is used to make drawers and for formwork, plywood and finishes in construction[]

Propagation

Seed -
Seedlings are very delicate and frequently die or succumb to grasshoppers in the wild[].

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