Sangre de Grado Powder Extract

Croton lechleri is a plant from the Peruvian Amazon region where it is commonly known as Sangre de Grado which translates as “Dragon’s Blood” with reference to the tree’s thick red resin

Croton lechleri resin has medicinal properties and is used by local peoples as a liquid bandage, applied to seal wounds, as it dries quickly to form a protective skin-like barrier. Its use by native people has led to scientific study and observation of its in vitro antioxidant activity as well as both mutagenic and antimutagenic behaviour.

The main constituants of the resin produced by Croton lechleri are proanthocyanidins, which constitute more than 90% of its dry weight. The remaining 10% is largely the alkaloid Taspine, as well as catechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and low amounts of terpene compounds and the lignin dimethylcedrusine

Because of the variety of compounds it contains, Sangre de Drago acts as a multi-functional agent.

The resin of Croton lechleri, has a long history of medicinal use by indigenous peoples and is widely used in both urban and rural contexts in Peru and other endemic countries.For centuries, it has been used to cover abrasions, cuts, scratches, blisters, bites and stings to prevent bleeding, decrease inflammation, seal wounds and injuries to prevent infection.The resin dries quickly on soft, damaged tissue, forming a barrier similar in thickness to the skin removed, noted as something akin to a “second skin.” Antimicrobial activity offered by the plant is further believed to offer protection to the injury. The formation of this resistant barrier is likely due to the resin’s ability to co-precipitate with surrounding proteins or extracellular matrix elements.

Recent studies confirm the biochemical role played by the chemical composition of Sangre de Grado as a cicatrizant beneficial in the reduction of mean wound healing time. The polyphenolic compounds of the resin further create a protective layer at the wound surface, preventing the entry of pathogenic microbes. These compounds condense and bind to surrounding extracellular proteins, clogging the wound and offering vasoconstriction at the site of injury, which is crucial in wound healing.

Taspine was found to be the principal cicatrizant agent in murine models as well as being able to increase the chemotaxis of human fibroblast cells which is the most likely mechanism by which the resin and taspine accelerate the wound healing process.The chemotaxis of fibroblasts aids the reformation in the reformation of the matrix following re-epithelialization, allowing for the regeneration of damaged skin

INCI Name: Croton lechleri Resin Extract