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Dragon’s Blood: a Forest’s Gift to Medicine, Skincare, and Sustainability

  • May 19
  • 3 min read

Updated: May 22

Monday, 19th May 2025

By Paula Perrelli dos Anjos




Harvest Chronicles dive into the biotrade industry shaping the future of this medicinal resin


In one of our most liked series, Harvest Chronicles, we write about the products that we support through sustainable production in the Amazon rainforest. We have already brought to you information about Amazonia Nuts (also known as Brazil Nuts), Guayusa and Coffee. Today, we will dive deep into one of the most precious and versatile products from the forest: Dragon’s Blood. Have you ever heard of it?


Derived from one species of tree called Croton lechleri, endemic to South America, the blood-red resin has been known to have therapeutic properties and has been used by ancient people for centuries for its antibacterial, antiviral and antioxidant features.


Discovered by Indigenous communities, Dragon’s Blood is gaining popularity in the pharmaceutical and skincare industries. Recent data from Verified Market Reports indicates significant product growth in recent years. It was valued at USD 150M in 2024 and is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2026 to 2033, reaching USD 250M by 2033.


Multiple uses


Dragon’s Blood is the ultimate proof of the importance of ancient knowledge from the people of the forest. It contains chemical components such as phenols, steroids, alkaloids, taspine and proanthocyanidins. Extracted from the bark of the tree trunk, the thick red resin has these benefits:


  • Heal wounds and stop bleeding, reducing inflammation

  • Improve gastrointestinal health problems (ulcers and diarrhoea)

  • Enhance skin health, hydrating and plumping

  • Boosts immunity, killing viruses and bacteria

  • Can be utilised as a natural food preservative

  • Source of colour to pigment and dye


Interestingly, in the 18th century, Italian violin makers used the dye from the Dragon’s Blood to paint the violins played by important musicians at that time, like Giuseppe Tartini (1692–1770) and Giovanni Battista Viotti (1755–1824).


Biotrade in the Amazon


Since 2023, AIV has financed a partner indigenous cooperative, Shakaim, to implement a pioneering business model for the commercialisation of Sangre de Grado — the name of the product is better known in Latin America.


Shakaim is an Achuar indigenous organisation that lives and works in the Pastaza Wetland Complex, a vast and ecologically critical region in Loreto, northwestern Peru. Shakaim's business plan is ensuring economic stability for 1,945 families across 22 Achuar communities.


Amazon Carbon Sinks


Recognised internationally as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, the Pastaza Wetland Complex is the largest protected tropical wetland in the Andes-Amazon basin, covering over three million hectares of forests, rivers, and swamps. 


These peat-rich wetlands are one of the most significant carbon sinks in the Amazon, storing vast amounts of below-ground carbon and playing a crucial role in global climate regulation. The area is not only vital for biodiversity and hydrological balance but also central to the cultural survival and territorial integrity of indigenous peoples like the Achuar.


The Achuar people are an ancestral indigenous community with their own way of life, language, culture and values. They existed before the European occupation of the continent and before the creation of the Peruvian state.


Shakaim cooperative is taking its traditional knowledge to the next level—supplying pharmaceutical and biocosmetic industries with responsibly harvested latex while safeguarding biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods. 


By partnering with them, AIV supports the Achuar's efforts to develop sustainable economic enterprises that align with their cultural values and environmental stewardship.


Dragon’s Blood is not just a healing resin—it’s a symbol of resilience and sustainability.


Further Support

As important as the Amazonia Impact Ventures’ work with the community, we are always looking to connect our partners to new markets and reduce overreliance on any single buyer. AIV is actively seeking commercial partnerships with ethical buyers and companies that share sustainability values. If you're committed to the future of the Amazon bioeconomy — or can introduce us to someone who is — please get in touch.






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