Of the 3,100 foods, beverages, spices, herbs and supplements used worldwide, Dragon’s Blood is the best-known antioxidant tested. According to research Published in Nutrition Journal. The resin of this dark red tree has been used as a medicine for over 1,000 years by many ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. used in Many traditional medicine systems around the world, including traditional Chinese medicine, Arabic medicine, Thai medicine, and African medicine.
Its uses and applications include wound healing, hemostasis (hemostasis), pain relief, and healing of various conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, and ulcers. In addition In addition to its medicinal uses, dragon blood has also been used as a coloring agent, varnish, incense, and for ceremonial purposes.
Modern research not only supports the traditional uses of this substance, but also the additional health benefits dragon blood has, such as antioxidant effects associated with slowing the aging process in both the body and brain. Benefits have also been found.
What is dragon blood?
Dragon’s Blood gets its name from the dark red resin produced by various tropical tree species collectively known as dragon trees. These trees belong to several plant families, including Dracaena, Croton, Pterocarpus, and Daemonopus, which are found in many parts of the world.
Different sources mean different resins have different properties. Although the above study does not give details of the exact plant the resin came from, it should be noted that the resin originated in Peru. Throughout history, different cultures have had different sources of plant resin. Used.
a review A 2008 publication in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology notes that dragon blood, derived from Dracaena cinnabari, was used as a dye and medicine in the Mediterranean Basin.
Several species of the genus Croton are also used by indigenous cultures of the Amazon River to treat infected wounds and promote wound healing.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, dragon blood resin from Daemonorops draco and Dracaena cochinchinensis are similarly prescribed to improve blood circulation.
health benefits
Antibacterial/antifungal
Dragon’s blood resin exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. This is why dragon blood is widely used for infectious skin diseases.
In traditional medicine, many plants were used against fungal pathogens. Over the past few years, there has been a search for new antifungal agents, especially for skin problems, in response to the inefficiencies, side effects, and resistance associated with current drugs.
Because plants have their own defense mechanisms against fungal pathogens, researchers have explored plant-based fungicides as a possible alternative.
a study We tested the antifungal activity of dragon blood from croton urculana published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2005. In vitro studies have confirmed the traditional use of resins as wound treatments. The study found that dragon blood resin has antifungal properties and can be used to treat skin infections caused by fungi.
“Croton urculana has potential antifungal effects and can be used as an alternative treatment for dermatophytosis or in combination with other antifungals that allow the use of lower doses that avoid problems such as side effects and resistance. can explore its therapeutic benefits,” the study concluded.
Another 2005 study A paper published in the same journal tested five fungi and found that dragon blood could inhibit their growth at concentrations ranging from 0.175 to 3.0 mg/ml.
2011 study In dragon blood from Dracaena cambodiana, five compounds tested within the species were found to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus.
Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacterium that is commonly found on the skin and nasal passages of healthy people, but can cause infection when it enters the body through cuts or other openings. It causes a range of illnesses, from meningitis to more serious conditions such as sepsis.
Some strains of Staphylococcus aureus are resistant to common antibiotics, which can make infections more difficult to treat.
The study also found seven compounds to be effective against MRSA bacteriaMRSA infections can be difficult to treat as they have acquired resistance to many of the antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections.
Symptoms of MRSA infection can range from mild to severe and include skin infections, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections.
wound healing
Several the study Dragon’s blood confirmed that it may actually speed up wound healing due to its powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
In the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial Wound healing was measured in 60 patients aged 14 to 65 years. A cream based on Croton lechleri resin was used.
At the end of the study period, there was a significant difference in wound healing in the group receiving Dragon’s Blood Cream compared to the placebo group.
Researchers noted significant improvement in wound healing in just 3 days in dragon blood type compared to placebo.
They theorize that dragon blood resin contains phenolic compounds such as proanthocyanidins and catechins, thus shortening the inflammatory process.
Treatment of H. pylori and ulcers
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacterium that causes stomach infections and is a major cause of peptic ulcers. Researchers have found that two flavonoid compounds in dragon blood from Dracaena cochinchinensis are effective in killing H. pylori.
anti aging
a study Peruvian dragon’s blood, also known as Sangre de Grado, published in the Nutrition Journal in 2010, has the highest antioxidant content of all products in the tested database, as well as oxygen radical absorption. Aptitude (ORAC) score was found to be 2,897,110.
ORAC analytical test How well a compound stops oxidation caused by toxic substances called peroxy radicals. It measures the total antioxidant capacity of a food, or how well a particular food protects against damage caused by toxic substances.
Foods with a high ORAC score protect cells and their components from oxidative damage and help slow aging-related processes in both the body and brain.
Side effects and contraindications
of Book The Materia Medica of Chinese Medicine outlines the side effects and contraindications of Dragon’s Blood.
It is recommended to use dragon blood only externally during menstruation and not during pregnancy.
Regarding its toxicity, the authors say that overdose should be avoided and can lead to potential allergic reactions such as itching, rashes, and skin swelling.
2011 study I noted that certain types of dragon blood may have a blood-thinning effect in rats.
As with everything, check with your healthcare professional for contraindications with other medications or health problems.
buying tips
Dragon’s blood comes in powder or capsule supplements, alcoholic extracts, tinctures, and topical ointments.
You can also mix dragon’s blood powder with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or shea butter to make your own topical ointment.
The supplement industry is not strictly regulated, so always make sure to source products from reputable and trustworthy companies.
In a recent interview, Matt Roeske, founder of Cultivate Elevate, said that if you’re buying a dragon’s blood product, you should “make sure it hasn’t been modified with synthetic fillers, gums, or preservatives. Dragon’s blood.” Always make sure your products are sustainably sourced and tested for heavy metals.”
