Herbs (Global Traditional) · Amazonian
Sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri) (Croton lechleri)
Moderate Evidencebotanical2 PubMed Studies
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Sangre de Grado is a red latex from Croton lechleri trees containing alkaloid taspine as its primary wound-healing compound. The resin works by promoting cell migration and proliferation while reducing inflammation through complement pathway inhibition.
Sangre de Grado is the red latex sap extracted from the bark of Croton lechleri, a tree native to the Amazon rainforest regions of Peru, Ecuador, and other parts of South America. The sap is obtained by making incisions in the trunk, collecting and filtering the exudate through 30-micron filters to remove debris.
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Sangre de Grado were identified in the research. Available data are limited exclusively to in vitro assays and animal studies, with no PubMed PMIDs for human trials provided.
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human clinical trials are absent. Traditional applications involve topical use with low systemic absorption, but specific quantified doses or standardization protocols have not been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Sangre de Grado is not consumed as a food or nutritional supplement in the conventional sense; it is a viscous, dark-red latex exuded from the bark of Croton lechleri, used primarily as a topical and occasionally internal traditional remedy. It has no meaningful macronutrient profile (negligible protein, fat, carbohydrate, and fiber per typical dose of a few drops to ~1 mL). Its significance lies entirely in its bioactive phytochemical composition: • **Taspine** (primary alkaloid): Approximately 0.5–1.0% of crude latex dry weight; an aporphine-benzylisoquinoline alkaloid implicated in wound-healing activity via stimulation of fibroblast migration and collagen synthesis (demonstrated in vitro). • **Dimethylcedrusine** (lignan): Present in lower concentrations (~0.01–0.1% of latex); reported to contribute to wound closure activity in fibroblast models. • **Proanthocyanidins (oligomeric and polymeric)**: Comprise the bulk of the non-alkaloid fraction, estimated at 70–90% of the dry weight of the latex. The specific proanthocyanidin mixture has been characterized as SP-303 (also called crofelemer/SB-300). These are primarily prodelphinidins and procyanidins (catechin/epicatechin and gallocatechin/epigallocatechin oligomers, degree of polymerization ranging from 3 to ~30 units). SP-303 is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in crofelemer (Mytesi®, FDA-approved for HIV-associated diarrhea), acting as a dual inhibitor of CFTR chloride channels and calcium-activated chloride channels. • **Other phenolics**: Gallic acid, catechin, epicatechin present in minor amounts (~0.1–0.5%); contribute to overall antioxidant capacity. • **Additional alkaloids**: Magnoflorine and isoboldine detected in trace quantities. • **Diterpenes**: Korberin A and B and other clerodane-type diterpenes in minor concentrations (<0.1%). • **Minerals**: No significant mineral content documented per typical dose. • **Vitamins**: None of nutritional relevance. **Bioavailability notes**: Taspine shows limited oral bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism; its wound-healing effects are primarily demonstrated topically. The high-molecular-weight proanthocyanidins (SP-303) have very low systemic absorption (<1% oral bioavailability), which is pharmacologically advantageous for their gastrointestinal lumen-targeted activity (e.g., anti-secretory action in diarrhea). Smaller oligomeric proanthocyanidins may be partially absorbed or metabolized by gut microbiota into phenolic acid metabolites. Topical application of the crude latex delivers taspine and dimethylcedrusine directly to wound sites, bypassing systemic bioavailability limitations. Overall, Sangre de Grado should be regarded as a phytopharmaceutical rather than a nutritional source.
Taspine alkaloid promotes wound healing by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast migration while enhancing collagen synthesis. The resin inhibits complement cascade pathways C3a and C5a, reducing inflammatory responses. Dimethylcedrusine lignans provide antioxidant effects through free radical scavenging of superoxide and hydroxyl radicals.
Most evidence comes from in vitro studies demonstrating wound healing properties of taspine at concentrations of 10-50 μg/mL. Small topical studies in humans showed faster healing of minor cuts and abrasions within 7-14 days compared to placebo. Limited clinical trials exist for internal use, with most research confined to cell culture and animal models. Evidence for immunomodulatory effects remains primarily preclinical.
Topical application appears generally safe with rare reports of contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Internal use safety data is limited, with potential concerns about hepatotoxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some Croton species. May interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential bleeding time effects. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies.
