The sap acts as an analgesic agent by stopping the activation and stimulation of sensory nerve fibers that send pain signals to the brain. It also inhibits the inflammatory response of tissue to chemicals released by these same nerves when applied externally or taken internally.

A study conducted by the University of Antwerp in Belgium revealed that the sap stimulated wound contraction, helped in scabbing, regenerated skin more rapidly, and assisted in new collagen formation. When applied externally, the sap dries quickly and forms a barrier much like a second skin.

Since much of the research on Sangre de Grado has been performed in the course of developing proprietary drugs, most of this research has not been published or made available to the public.

Research on using Sangre de Grado as a treatment for pain and inflammation was presented at Advancing Children’s Health 2000 – a joint meeting between the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Pediatric Academic Societies.

Sources:

[979] “Sangre de Grado is a Potent and Unique Inhibitor of Neurogenic Inflammation and Promotes Healing in Experimental Necrotizing Enterocolitis.” Manuel Sandoval Pediatrics, Albany Medical College Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Calgary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. An abstract presented by Advancing Children’s Health 2000.

“Isolation of a dihydrobenzofuran lignan from South American dragon’s blood (Croton spp.) as an inhibitor of cell proliferation.” Pieters L; de Bruyne T; Claeys M; Vlietinck A; Calomme M; vanden Berghe D. University of Antwerp, Belgium. J Nat Prod, 56: 6, 1993 Jun, 899-906.

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