Sangre de grado is a tree that grows in the Amazon region of South America. The tree bark and sap are used to make medicine.
A chemical in sangre de grado known as crofelemer (SP-303) was approved as a drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for diarrhea in people with HIV/AIDS. It is also sometimes used for travelers' diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it has not been approved by the FDA for these uses. Sangra de grado supplement products have not been studied for these conditions.
Sangre de grado supplements are sometimes used for the common cold, upper airway infections, ulcers, and many other conditions. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Diarrhea in people with HIV/AIDS. Crofelemer is a chemical from sangre de grado. Research shows that taking crofelemer reduces diarrhea in people with AIDS-related diarrhea. This product is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this condition.
- Genital herpes. Crofelemer is a chemical from sangre de grado. Research shows that applying crofelemer to the skin helps treat genital and anal herpes outbreaks in people with AIDS. But it might not be helpful for herpes outbreaks that do not respond to acyclovir, a drug used to treat herpes infections.
- Travelers' diarrhea. Crofelemer is a chemical from sangre de grado. Research shows that taking crofelemer might help travelers' diarrhea go away about 6-8 hours faster.
- A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Crofelemer is a chemical from sangre de grado. Research shows that taking crofelemer does not reduce pain or diarrhea in people with diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D).
- Insect bite. Early research shows that applying sangre de grado to the skin relieves symptoms of insect bites and skin irritation due to plants.
- Bleeding gums.
- Bone cancer.
- Cholera.
- Common cold.
- Diarrhea caused by cancer drug treatment.
- Diarrhea in people taking antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea).
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
- Fever.
- Fractures.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Infection of the gastrointestinal tract by bacteria called Clostridium difficile.
- Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea).
- Mouth and throat ulcers.
- Stomach ulcers.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the vagina (vaginitis).
- Tuberculosis.
- Tumors.
- Upper airway infection.
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Sangre de Grado for these uses.
Is it Safe?
Sangre de grado appears to help diarrhea by slowing down the amount of water that is lost through the intestines. It might also prevent the movement of some viruses into cells. It might also block pain signals in the nerves.
When taken by mouth: It is LIKELY SAFE to take a specific chemical from sangre de grado called crofelemer (SP-303). Some people have reported stomach pain, gas, headache, and bronchitis when taking crofelemer (SP-303). There isn't enough reliable information to know if sangre de grado itself is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: It is POSSIBLY SAFE to apply a chemical from sangre de grado, called crofelemer (SP-303), directly to the skin. Some people have reported pain and burning when applying this product to the skin. There isn't enough reliable information to know if sangre de grado itself is safe or what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if sangre de grado is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
A type of blood cancer called leukemia: Sangre de grado might make this condition worse. Avoid using sangre de grado if you have leukemia.
It is not known if Sangre de Grado interacts with any medicines. Before taking Sangre de Grado, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
ADULTS
BY MOUTH:
- For diarrhea in people with HIV/AIDS: A prescription-only product (Fulyzaq; Mytesi) that contains a specific chemical found in sangre de grado (crofelemer) has been taken as 125 mg twice daily. This same product has also been used in a dose of 500 mg every 6 hours for 4 days, but this dose is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
- For travelers' diarrhea: 125-500 mg of crofelemer (SP-303), a chemical isolated from sangre de grado, four times daily for 2 days has been used.
APPLIED TO THE SKIN:
- For genital herpes: A specific ointment containing 15% crofelemer (SP-303), a chemical found in sangre de grado, has been applied to herpes lesions three times daily for 21 days.
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