Croton lechleri
Sangre de grado
Croton lechleri, commonly known as a medicinal shrub in various tropical regions, is valued for its diverse therapeutic potential. Often utilized in traditional medicine, this plant contains bioactive compounds believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, offering significant interest for pharmacological research and natural healing practices worldwide.
- Scientific name: Croton lechleri
- Family: Euphorbiaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, situated within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified under the order Malpighiales and the family Euphorbiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by its placement in the genus Croton.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Euphorbiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Croton | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Croton lechleri, is recognized by various regional and linguistic names across the globe. In Japan, it is referred to as クロトン・レクレリ, while in Quechua, it is called Lan wiqi. In Poland, it is commonly known as Smocza krew (Sangre de drago), which translates to the Croatian Zmajeva krv. Additionally, in Traditional Chinese, it is identified by the name 龍血.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ja | クロトン・レクレリ | Wikidata |
| qu | Lan wiqi | Wikidata |
| pl | Smocza krew (Sangre de drago) | Wikidata |
| hr | Zmajeva krv | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 龍血 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 龙血巴豆 | Wikidata |
| zh | 龙血巴豆 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 龙血巴豆 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 龍血 | Wikidata |
| fr | Oxydectes lechleri | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as Croton lechleri, is found across several regions in Western South America. Its natural habitat encompasses the diverse landscapes of Colombia, where it thrives in tropical environments. The species is also widely distributed throughout the country of Ecuador. Furthermore, its range extends into the territory of Peru, contributing to its regional importance. Finally, this medicinal plant can be found growing within the borders of Bolivia.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Colombia | WCVP |
| Western South America | Ecuador | WCVP |
| Western South America | Peru | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Croton lechleri, is renowned for its unique biological characteristics, most notably the production of a distinctive red sap that flows from its bark. This liquid, often referred to as "dragon's blood," is a potent resin that is harvested for its numerous therapeutic properties. While the medicinal value is primarily concentrated in this viscous substance, the overall health and chemical composition of the plant are supported by its lush green leaves. Each individual leaf serves as a vital component of the organism, contributing to the synthesis of the compounds found within the sap.- Total parts
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 8
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| sap | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| red sap | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| resin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| latex | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Croton lechleri has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include taspine.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| taspine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Croton lechleri has 9 reported activities identified across 10 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antitumor, Analgesic, Anticancer, Antifungal, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 9
- Scientific sources
- 10
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antitumor | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Croton lechleri has 13 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, cancers, edema, granuloma, itching.
- Total uses
- 13
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| granuloma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| itching | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| melanoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neurogenic inflammation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vasorelaxation | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |