Croton lechleri

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Croton lechleri, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Croton lechleri has not been shown to treat cancer in humans.

The dark red sap of C. lechleri, a tree found in many regions of South America, has been used in traditional medicine for wound healing and gastric ulcers. SP-303, a mixture of proanthocyanidin oligomers derived from the plant, was found effective in the treatment of traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea experienced by AIDS patients. Now known as crofelemer, it is has been approved by the FDA to treat AIDS-associated diarrhea.

Studies done in animals showed that C.lechleri reduced the size of gastric ulcers and also decreased the time required for wound healing, but human data are lacking. Laboratory studies indicate that it can kill cancer cells, but no studies have been done in humans.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • To treat diarrhea
    Clinical trials have shown that C. lechleri is effective for traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea experienced by AIDS patients.
  • To treat cancer
    Lab studies suggest that C. lechleri can kill cancer cells, but human data are lacking.
  • To treat viral infections
    One clinical trial found that topical C. lechleri was no more effective than placebo for recurrent genital herpes lesions in AIDS patients.
  • To treat gastric ulcers
    Animal studies suggest that C. lechleri may reduce the size of gastric ulcers, but studies have not been conducted in humans.
  • For wound healing
    There are no studies in humans that support this use, but animal studies suggest C. lechleri can decrease the time required for wound healing.

What else do I need to know?

Do Not Take if:

You are taking dacomitinib: Animal studies suggest crofelemer may worsen dacomitinib-induced diarrhea. Clinical relevance is not yet known.

If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.

For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library.

Croton lechleri - Last updated on March 27, 2019
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