Sangre De Grado, Dragon's blood
Croton salutaris

Family: Euphorbiaceae

What it is like

Found in South America, Sangre de Grado or Croton salutaris is a tree of about 10-20 m in height with bole diameter of 30 cm. It yields a dark red, sappy resin that is a known effective herbal treatment. The sap is antibacterial and has inflammatory, antitumor, haemostatic, and vulnary properties thus used in the treatment of wide range of illnesses and discomforts. Southeastern Brazil

Croton salutaris is a TREE growing to 12 m (39ft) by 12 m (39ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Not known

S. America - southeastern Brazil.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed

Countries/locations it is found in

Southeastern Brazil

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 4

Sangre de grado is a common name for several trees in the genus Croton - all have a red sap 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 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, antitumour 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 the 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, proanthocyanidins, 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 stems and leaves contain the alkaloid 'salutaridine', which is an important intermediate in the biosynthesis of morphine alkaloids. 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, accelerate healing, and 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, 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. The leaves are depurative, febrifuge and stomachic.

Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.

Antifungal: An agent that inhibits or destroys fungi. Used in the treatment of various fungal problems such as candida.

Antihaemorrhoidal: Treats haemorrhoids (piles). This would probably be best added to another heading.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antipruritic: Treats itching of the skin.

Antitumor: Preventing, or effective against, tumors, it is used in the treatment of cancer. Probably synonymous with Cytotoxic.

Antiviral: Treats virus diseases

Cancer: Used in the treatment of cancer.

Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.

Odontalgic: Treats toothache (temporary measure only) and other problems of the teeth and gums.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Stings: Used in the treatment of stings and insect bites.

Stomachic: Aids and improves the action of the stomach.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating: 0

Other Uses: None known

Latex: A source of rubber.

How it is grown

Not known

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Sangre de Grado or Croton salutaris

Synonyms

Croton angularis Klotzsch ex Baill. Croton urceolatus Baill. Oxydectes salutaris (Casar.) Kuntze