GRADO BLOOD or DRAGO BLOOD

 Species:  Corton lechleri and Croton palanostigma
Amazon tree from which a red color resin is extracted.

Chemical Composition. -

The chemical composition of GRADO BLOOD, according to Dr. Pallardel (1988) in the II International Congress of Traditional Medicine, June 1988, Croton palanostigma Klotzsch, is composed of:  heteroside, tannins, cellulous benzoic acid, and resin from (Dracoresina) constituted by esters of resinic alcohol (Draco resin ethanol), acetic benzoyl acid, and a white substance denominated albano Draco and vegetal residues. 

Pharmacological Properties. -

According to Estrella (1995) quoting Persinos, the Taspine has anti-inflammatory properties.  The hydrochloride of Taspine in 20 mg/kg doses was effective in reducing inflammations induced in laboratory rats; in addition, it was not toxic even in 200 mg/kilo doses.  Therefore, it could be useful in inflammatory diseases like the rheumatism, and traditionally the Grado Blood has that use in popular medicine.

Vaisberg (1987) and their collaborators of the Peruvian University Cayetano Heredia, verified the healing effects of the Taspine in a test involving live rats.  The experiments made with hydrochloride of Taspine to study its action mechanism in cellular cultures, demonstrated that the alkaloid was not toxic to human epidermic fibroblasts and that it had no effects on cellular proliferation.  On the other hand, it was found an increased of fibroblasts migration, action that probably explains the mechanism by which the Grado Blood and the hydrochloride of Taspine accelerate the healing process of the wounds.  In rats it was possible to verify that both products do not have carcinogenic or stimulating effects of the tumoral activity. 

Perez et to (1988) researches at the National University of San Marcos made biological tests in rats to verify their cicatrizing effect, for which they practiced 1 cm cuts in shaved areas of rats to which Grado Blood was applied in direct form as they perform it in popular medicine. After six hours they verified a fast cicatrization versus a null effect observed in the witness. At 12 hours the cicatrization is fast while the witness’s progress is moderate at 24 hours.

Later similar tests were performed using ethanolic extracts of Grado Blood it was verified that after six hours the scarring was fast, while the witness after 15 hours showed a slow scarring, and after 18 hours it was moderate.  After six hours the healing with Grado Blood

was 100% on the rats. Therefore, it has a high hemostatic power which accelerates cicatrization. 

According  to Estrella (1995), Ubillas and collaborators (1994) they have isolated a latex of Croton lechleri an Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin which they have called Sp-303. This product offers a powerful activity against stocks of cincinial respiratory virus (RSV), virus A of influenza (Flu-a) and parainfluenza virus (PIV).  In parallel tests of Sp-303 and the drug "RIBAVIRIN" it was demonstrated that they have a comparable activity against those viruses.  The Sp-303 also exhibited a significant inhibiting activity against herpesvirus (HSV) types 1 and 2, including hyperviruses resistant to ACYCLOVIR and FOSCARNET. It was also observed that it produces inhibition against the hepatitis viruses A and B. Recently tests are being performed to evaluate Sp-303 as an antiviral therapeutic agent.

There are gastroduodenal bleeding ulcers that after a treatment with Drago Blood achieved cicatrization in record time. 

Bibliography

BARRIGA RODOLFO.-  Plantas Utiles de la Amazonia Peruana.  CONCYTEC. 261 Pag

PEREZ E. et al (1988) Estudio de 4 Plantas de la Zona del Huallaga con Actividad Cicatrizante. II Congreso Internacional de Medicina Tradicionales. Lima 1988 pp 3 - 9.

PALLARDEL P. T.  (1988) Plantas Utiles para Emergencias y Primeros Auxilios. II Congreso Internacional de Medicina Tradicionales Lima 1988 pp 29 - 50.