The blood red resin of the renown Sangre de grado tree has been used for centuries in Peru and Brazil as a remedy for wounds and gastrointestinal ailments. The Sangre de grado tree, also known as Sangre de drago, is a large tree native to the Amazon basin. It is famous for its ability to cure stomach ulcers and other intestinal problems.

Current researches have indicated that Sangre de grado, other than being an effective cure against ulcers, irritable bowel syndromes, and antimicrobial distresses; it is also used as a cure for inflammation and sensory afferent dependent actions. Wounds from tooth extractions, cuts, bruises, burns, herpes, virus ulcers, including fungi, rashes, dermatitis, insect bites, allergic skin reactions, stomach ulcers, colitis, and dysentery are covered by this herbal medicine. To top it all off, like other alternative wellness products, Sangre de grado is also cost-effective.

Sangre de grado is the extracted resin of the Sangre de grado tree, scientifically known as, Croton lechleri. It contains helpful plant chemicals such as proanthocyanidins, phenols, phytosterols, diterpenes, taspine, an alkaloid, and dimethylcedrusine, a lignan. These chemicals, in controlled dosages, are noted for its therapeutic effects on the digestive and intestinal tract.

Its ability to heal wounds was first attributed to the antitumorous taspine alkaloid. Another element found in the sangre de grado resin is the lignan dimethylcedrusine, proven to contribute to the body's fast wound-healing. Some studies also point to the sangre de grado's ability to stimulate contraction of wounds, which results in scab formation on the wounds. There was even a study that proved that the resin of the sangre de grado tree is more effective for wound healing and collagen formation than its isolated chemicals.

Taspine was also indicated to be effective against the herpes virus, aside from its being rich in phytochemicals, which contribute to its would-healing properties. It was also found that sangre de grado had antioxidant effects and anti fungal properties. It is interesting to note that Sangre de grado had an in vitro effect against stomach and colon cancer cells. It had likewise antiviral properties, making one resistant to influenza, para influenza, and hepatitis A and B, among a host of diseases it actually is thought to cure.

In recent times, studies have been made to prove the health claims of the sap of the Sangre de grado tree. For instance, people would rather choose a sangre de grado balm than a placebo, to relieve swelling, discomfort, pain, and redness, as a result of fire ants, bees, cuts, mosquitoes, wasps, and allergic plant reactions. Results revealed that patients who opt for sangre de grado felt relieved after minutes, with symptoms, such as those that were previously mentioned disappearing within six hours.

With or without scientific studies, it has always been found that the Sangre de Grado is an effective and a true alternative medicine.