Crofelemer

Related Terms

2-[4-(3-Hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxyphenoxy]-propane-1,3-diol, 4,5-dihydroblumenol A, alkaloids, alpha-calacorene, alpha-copaene, alpha-pinene, alpha-thujene, beta-caryophyllene, beta-elemene, betaine, beta-pinene, beta-sitostenine, beta-sitosterol, bincatriol, blumenol B, blumenol C, borneol, calamenene, Calamus rotang L., camphene, (+)-catechin, catechins, cedrucine, crofelemer, crolechinic acid, crolechinol, Croton draco Schltdl. & Cham., Croton draconoides M?ll. Arg., Croton drago, Croton lechleri M?ll. Arg., Croton palanostigma, Croton salutaris, Croton urucurana Baill., Croton xalapensis Kunth, cuparophenol, Daemonorops draco Bl., Daemonorops draco Blume, Daemonorops didymophylla Becc., Daemonorops micranthus Becc., Daemonorops motleyi Becc., Daemonorops propinquus Becc., Daemonorops rubra (Reinw. ex Blume) Mart., daucosterol, dihydrobenzofuran, dimethylcedrusine, dipentene, D-limonene, Dracaena cinnabari Balf.f., Dracaena cochinchinensis Hort. ex Baker, Dracaena draco (L.) L., Draconis palm, drago, (-)-epicatechin, erythro-guaiacyl-glyceryl-beta-O-4'-dihydroconiferyl ether, eugenol, euparophenol, floribundic acid glucoside, gallocatechin, (+)-gallocatechin, (-)-galloepicatechin, gamma-terpinene, gamma-terpineol, glaucine, hardwickiic acid, isoboldine, korberin A, korberin B, lignin, linalool, magnoflorine, methylthymol, myrcene, norisoboldine, Normal Stool Formula, p-cymene, proanthocyanidins, procyanidins, Provir, Pterocarpus officinalis Jacq., resin, sangre de drago, sangue de agua, sinoacutine, SP-300, SP-303, tannin, taspine, terpinen-4-ol, thaliporphine, vanillin.
Note: This monograph will primarily cover Croton lecheri (dragon's blood, dragon's-blood croton, sangre de grado), but not Daemonorops draco (dragon's-blood, dragon's-blood palm).

Background

Sangre de grado (the Peruvian name) or sangre de drago (the Ecuadorian name), meaning "blood of the dragon," is a medium-sized tree that grows in the upper Amazon region of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. It has large, heart-shaped green leaves and greenish-white flowers. Upon injury to the bark of the tree, a dark red resin spills out of the tree. Sangre de grado is still used in South America as traditional medicine for hemorrhaging and wounds, and as an antiseptic. It is also used for protection against ulcers, including those of the stomach, mouth, throat, and intestines; as an antiviral, anticancer, and antidiarrheal agent; and topically for skin conditions and insect bites.
Compounds isolated from the sap of sangre de grado have been studied for their effects on diarrhea and herpes virus infections. More studies are needed.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Sangre de grado has been studied as a treatment for diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea and diarrhea in AIDS patients, with positive results. However, additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 B


Sangre de grado has been studied as a treatment for diarrhea, travelers' diarrhea and diarrhea in AIDS patients, with positive results. However, additional research is needed before a firm conclusion can be made.

 B


Sangre de grado has been studied as a treatment for herpes virus infection in patients with AIDS with positive results. Additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Sangre de grado has been studied as a treatment for herpes virus infection in patients with AIDS with positive results. Additional studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For diarrhea, 125-500 milligrams of SP-303, a mixture extracted from the sap of sangre de grado, has been taken by mouth four times daily for two days or every six hours for four days.
To treat herpes infection, Virend (SP-303) (15 percent ointment) has been applied to the skin three times daily for 21 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Sangre de grado may interact with agents that may affect the heart, agents that may affect the immune system, agents that may treat stomach disorders, agents used for the skin, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidiarrheals, anti-inflammatory agents, antivirals, and wound-healing agents.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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