Dragon's Blood

Botanical

What is it

"Dragon's Blood" is a deep red resin obtained from several plant species, including Dracaena cinnabari, Daemonorops draco, and Croton lechleri. It has long been used in traditional medicine and as a varnish dye.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

HIV-related diarrhea (crofelemer, prescription)

Strong Evidence

Crofelemer, derived from Croton lechleri, is an FDA-approved prescription antidiarrheal for non-infectious diarrhea in adults with HIV on antiretroviral therapy.

Wound healing (topical)

Limited Evidence

Some small clinical and preclinical studies of Croton lechleri sap suggest accelerated wound healing when applied topically.

How it works

The resin contains proanthocyanidins, taspine, and various flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Preclinical studies suggest wound-healing, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity, and the standardized Croton lechleri product crofelemer is approved as a prescription antidiarrheal in HIV-related diarrhea. General supplement use of dragon's blood for systemic effects has less rigorous human evidence.

Dosage

DSLD does not list a standardized median dose for over-the-counter use. Traditional preparations vary widely. Prescription crofelemer dosing is set by clinicians and is not a supplement application.

When and how to take it

No consistent timing guidance. Traditional use is varied.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Crude resin extract

Sold as powder, liquid extract, or tincture.

Composition varies by species and source

Crofelemer (prescription drug)

FDA-approved purified plant-based drug derived from Croton lechleri.

Acts in gut lumen; minimally absorbed

Safety

Topical and short-term oral use of crude dragon's blood resin is generally well tolerated, but quality varies dramatically by species and source. Allergic reactions and gastrointestinal upset can occur. Crofelemer (prescription) has known side effects evaluated in clinical trials.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with chronic diarrhea should seek medical evaluation rather than self-treating. Take care to identify the species, as products labeled "dragon's blood" can come from different plants with different profiles.

Interactions

Specific drug interactions for crude dragon's blood are not well documented. Crofelemer can affect absorption of some oral drugs.

Frequently asked questions

Is all dragon's blood the same?⌄

No. The name covers resins from several plants. Check the botanical name on the label.

Does it heal wounds?⌄

Topical Croton lechleri preparations show some wound-healing effects in small studies, but it should not replace standard wound care.

References

Dragon's Blood on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Dragon's Blood on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Dragon's Blood (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.