Dragon's blood

History

Dragon's Blood is a resin that can be obtained from the sap of various plant species. This dark red viscous substance is well known by traditional medicine and has been used since ancient times. Highly valued for its medicinal properties, ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians employed Dragon's Blood to treat number of illnesses, such as fevers, respiratory infections, and skin lesions¹. Dragon's Blood continues to be used in various forms of traditional medicine around the world, such as in Chinese medicine, where it is used to promote blood flow and tissue regeneration by enhancing the healing of fractures, sprains, and ulcers, and to control bleeding and pain.

« Dragon’s Blood » from Croton lechleri, tree native to Peru and source of the active ingredient used in Beyond Men's Care products.

By por natikka - http://www.arteyfotografia.com.ar/4429/fotos/54367/, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19199491

What about its use in cosmetics?

Dragon's Blood extract is a powerful cosmetic active ingredient, as it provides many benefits to the skin:

+ Anti-aging: Dragon's blood contains compounds called proanthocyanidins, which have been shown to help protect skin cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve the elasticity and firmness of the skin².

+ Anti-inflammatory: Dragon's blood also contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, particularly the flavonoid loureirin A. The anti-inflammatory effect on the skin can help reduce redness, swelling and irritation³.

+ Healing: Some studies suggest that Dragon’s blood may have wound healing properties, helping to speed up the healing process and promote tissue regeneration⁴.

+ Moisturizing properties: Dragon’s blood has moisturizing properties that help hydrate and nourish the skin. This can help improve the texture and overall health of the skin.

Because of its many powerful and proven properties, we have added Dragon's Blood extract to our BALANCING MATTIFYING CREAM as well as to our CLEAR SKIN SUPERCHARGED SERUM.

Ethical considerations

The Dragon's Blood extract used in Beyond Men's Care products is produced by a Swiss laboratory and its extraction process guarantees its content in high quality active ingredients. It is also protected by the Nagoya protocol, which governs access to genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use.

Références

1. Liu Y, Zhao X, Yao R, et al. Dragon’s Blood from Dracaena Worldwide: Species, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Am J Chin Med. 2021;49(06):1315-1367. doi:10.1142/S0192415X21500634

2. Gupta D, Bleakley B, Gupta RK. Dragon’s blood: botany, chemistry and therapeutic uses. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;115(3):361-380. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2007.10.018

3. Hao HZ, He AD, Wang DC, et al. Antiplatelet activity of loureirin A by attenuating Akt phosphorylation: In vitro studies. Eur J Pharmacol. 2015;746:63-69. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.10.059

4. Namjoyan F, Kiashi F, Moosavi ZB, Saffari F, Makhmalzadeh BS. Efficacy of Dragon’s blood cream on wound healing: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Tradit Complement Med. 2015;6(1):37-40. doi:10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.11.029

By Valentine Du bois

Master's degree in medical biology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland

Valentine holds a Master's degree in medical biology from the University of Lausanne, following a Bachelor's degree from the University of Geneva. During her Masters, Valentine specialised in the fields of pharmacology and toxicology, focusing on applied laboratory research for the development of new treatments.