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Sangre de Grado (Croton lechleri) is a red wine colored latex from a jungle tree with a long history of indigenous use in the Amazon region. The Amazonian tribal shamans have used this resin from time immemorial to cure and relieve wounds, ulcers, hemorrhages, diarrheas, colic, dyspepsia, treatment of tumors and to protect lesions occurring during infections, and other uses. Sangre de Grado became known in the western world through the discovery of is alkaloid taspina, the main agent responsible for its healing effect, and proantocyanidine, which led to the development of additional research and the use of this medicinal plant as a basis for patenting by U.S. companies of several natural products. The Euphorbiacene family consists of some 300 genus comprising approximately 7000 species. The genus croton stands out with its 750 species of trees and bushes distributed in the sub-tropical and tropical regions of both hemispheres. Croton lechleri is found in Peru together with 4 other species of croton in various jungle departments. Sangre de Grado is traditionally used for:
Pharmacological Information Healing effect: The study made by Perez of the Universidad National Mayor de San Marcos (1998) showed a rapid healing effect in 100% of the mice treated after receiving skin wounds. A Belgian study (1993) showed that Sangre de Grado stimulates the reduction of wounds, helping in the formation of a scar over the wound by allowing a more rapid spread of scar tissue and aiding in the formation of fresh collagen. Vaisberg and colleagues (1989) showed a dose-dependent healing effect in their study on live mice. In this study it was observed that the taspine increased the migration of human fibroblasts from the foreskin in cell cultures. The study made by Porras-Reyes and colleagues at the University of Washington (1993) showed that taspine stimulates the chemo taxis of fibroblasts in the healing process in rat skin. Anti-ulceration effect: The study by Miller and col. (2000) determined a significant reduction in the size of the ulcer induced in rats by the application of acetic acid when treated with Sangre de Grado. The study made by Ayala and col. (2000, 1999) verifies this significant protection in the case of injury produced by ethanol in rats, being compared with saline solution, sucralphate and the commercial product Mylanta in concentration of 0.8 ml/kg. The study made by Malaga of the Peruvian Cayetano Heredia University (1991) showed that taspine reduced the degree of ulceration in peptic ulcer in rats by 50% in comparison with the control. An additional protective effect on the gastric mucous membrane was found was found in rats whose lesions were induced by indometacine Antiviral effect: The study by Ubillus and col. (1994) showed the antiviral effect of isolated SP-303, against a variety of DNA and RNA virus. The in vitro tests showed a potent activity against stocks of cincitial respiratory virus (RSV) types A and B, influenza virus A(FLU-A) and para-influenza (PIV).Parallel tests showed that the SP-303 acts similarly to the commercial product ribavarin. The SP-303 shows a significant inhibitory action against the herpes virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, including the hypervirus which is resistant to the drugs acyclovir and foscarnet. There are phase I and II clinical studies which show the antiviral effect for respiratory viral infections and herpes which have been approved by the FDA. Inhibition has also been observed against the hepatitis virus A and B. Hudson (1990) showed anti-viral activity against the Sindbis virus and Citamegalovirus. Anti-microbe effect: Hudson (1990) showed that Sangre de Grado inhibits Gram (-) bacteria and skin fungus in vitro. The study by Viasberg and col. (1989) showed that the simple phenol compounds and diterpenes act against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. In the case of B. subtilis, the trimetoxiphenols were more potent than penicillin and chloramphenicol. Zapata (1987) showed the anti-microbe action against Staphylococcus aurous, S. epidermis and other gram negative bacteria such as enterobacter, citrobacteria, salmonella, etc. Macrae (1988) found anti-fungal activity in the case of Microsporum and Trichophyton. Studies on anti-ulcer activity showed a marked reduction in bacterial growth in the ulcer cavity. Miller's study of the latex (1999) detected in vitro activity against Helicobacter pylori, this being an interesting new discovery. Anti-inflammatory effect: The study by Persinos and col. (1974) confirms the anti-inflammatory effect of taspine in rats. Perdue and col. (1979) proved the anti-inflammatory activity of the alkaloid taspine by three methods: with edema of the foot induced by carragenine, the pelotilla-induced granuloma and the poly-arthritis adjuvant method. Other researchers attribute the anti-inflammatory effect to the lignin of dihydrobenzofurane, 3'4-0-dimethylcedrusine. Anti-oxidant effect: Desmarchelier (1997) determined that, while the latex has a slight pro-oxidant effect at low concentration, at high concentrations it is extremely effective for reducing the oxidation of DNA by capturing the peroxile and hydroxyl radicals. Toxicological Information Research proved a DL 5 oral in mice of the resin of 24ml/kg. Persinos' study (1974) showed that taspine was not toxic in concentration of up to 200mg/kg. Vaisberg's study (1989) showed that taspine is not toxic for human epidermal fibroblasts and has no effect on cell proliferation at concentrations below 150mg/ml. It was shown in mice that neither Sangre de Grado isolated nor taspine have carcinogenic effects, nor do they stimulate tumor forming activity even after continuous use for 17 months. Phytochemicals Alkaloids: taspina (scar forming action) Proanthocyanidinas (oligomeric SP-303) Procyadinina B-1 and B-4 Lignin's dihydrobenzofuranes: 3,4-0-dimethylcedrusine, 4-0-methylcedrusine Catequine: catequine, epicatequine, galocatequin, epigalocatequin Tannins and Other phenol compounds: Gallic acid The members of this family contain anti-tumor agents and alkaloids such as pyridine, indol aprofine, quinolein, tropane, unsaturated fatty acids, antraquinones, fatty epoxacids and triterpenoids 30 alkaloids such as solitaridine, sinoacutine and sparciflorine have also been isolated from the croton genus. Toxicological Information Adverse reactions: None reported Interactions with other substances: Have not been described Precautions : Do not take more than 5 drops daily orally. Do not use during pregnancy. Recommendations: For oral treatments, initially give 1 drop daily and increase the dosage gradually until you reach the required dosage. Warning: If adverse reactions are observed stop use and consult the doctor. Conditions of storage: Keep in a fresh, dry place, protected from the light.
ELF provides Sangre de Grado as a liquid latex.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is this information meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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