A Review on Phytochemistry and Recent Pharmacology of Dragonʼs Blood (Croton lechleri), a Multifunctional Ethnomedicinal Resource from the Amazon Forest

Ricardo D.D.G. de Albuquerque; Frank R. León-Vargas; Daniel D. Carrasco-Montañez; Jorge L. Carranza-Gonzales; Yessenia V.S. Ramos-Rivas

doi:10.1055/a-2551-5681

Planta Medica, Inhaltsverzeichnis

Planta Med 2025; 91(08): 409-418
DOI: 10.1055/a-2551-5681

Reviews

A Review on Phytochemistry and Recent Pharmacology of Dragonʼs Blood (Croton lechleri), a Multifunctional Ethnomedicinal Resource from the Amazon Forest

Autor*innen

Ricardo D.D.G. de Albuquerque

¹Laboratório de Tecnologia em Produtos Naturais, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
Frank R. León-Vargas

²Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Iquitos, Loreto, Peru
Daniel D. Carrasco-Montañez

²Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Iquitos, Loreto, Peru
Jorge L. Carranza-Gonzales

³Departamento de Ingeniería de Alimentos, Facultad de Industrias Alimentarias, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Iquitos, Peru
Yessenia V.S. Ramos-Rivas

⁴Departamento de Ciencias Clinicas Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de la Amazonia Peruana, Iquitos, Peru

Abstract

Croton lechleri, commonly known as “Sangre de Drago”, is a widely utilized ethnomedicinal resource in the Amazon region, known for its diverse bioactive properties. These include wound-healing activity, anti-inflammatory effects, antitumor activity, and other therapeutic benefits. Despite its extensive traditional use, a comprehensive review of the scientific studies conducted over the past two decades is lacking, which hinders a thorough understanding of the chemical and pharmacological characteristics of this species. Hence, this review is essential to inform researchers and readers about the current state of knowledge in this field. A systematic search was conducted using databases such as Scopus and Google Scholar, yielding 33 relevant articles focusing on the phytochemistry and recent pharmacological investigations of C. lechleri. These studies identify proanthocyanidins as the predominant phytochemical group in terms of relative quantity. Additionally, other significant phytochemical groups include alkaloids, diterpenoids, phytosteroids, saponins, phenolics, and polyphenolics. The pharmacological studies reviewed highlight several potential therapeutic effects of C. lechleri, particularly those associated with its resin. These effects include wound-healing, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal benefits, among others. The findings underscore the remarkable medicinal importance of this species, supporting its continued investigation and potential therapeutic applications.

Keywords

Sangre de Drago - Croton lechleri - Euphorbiaceae - phytochemicals - biological activities - natural resources

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Referenzen

References
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