{"product_id":"stemcell-science-shop-dragons-blood","title":"Stemcell Science Shop - Dragon's Blood","description":"\u003cp\u003eDragon's Blood is a deep crimson resin produced by several species of \u003cem\u003eDracaena\u003c\/em\u003e (dragon trees) as a rapid wound-response mechanism. When the bark is cut or damaged, the resin bleeds out and hardens within minutes, forming a chemically hostile barrier that resists bacterial colonization, fungal growth, and insect attack. This defensive chemistry is so effective that some dragon tree individuals have survived for over 1,000 years. The striking red color is a byproduct of a high concentration of phenolic compounds — specifically dracorhodin and dracorubin — rather than an evolved signal, making it one of nature's more visually dramatic accidents.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural resin from \u003cem\u003eDracaena\u003c\/em\u003e dragon trees — used by humans for millennia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRich in phenolic compounds (dracorhodin, dracorubin) with antimicrobial properties\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorically used as a wood stain, violin varnish, and in traditional medicine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardens on contact with air — same mechanism that protects the tree\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e30 mL (1 fl oz) liquid resin in a tube\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHEMISTRY \u0026amp; PROPERTIES\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe resin's bioactive compounds include phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Dracorhodin — the primary red pigment — has been studied for antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity. The high concentration of stable phenolic compounds gives hardened dragon's blood exceptional longevity; specimens found in archaeological contexts remain chemically intact centuries after formation. The resin is soluble in alcohol and most organic solvents, making it workable as a varnish or dye when dissolved.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHISTORICAL \u0026amp; PROFESSIONAL USE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eDragon's blood has one of the longest documented histories of any natural material. Stradivarius and other Cremonese luthiers used it as a component of violin varnish, contributing to the distinctive warm color of 17th–18th century instruments. Ancient Egyptians incorporated it into mummification preparations. Traditional medicine systems across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and South America used it as a wound sealant and anti-inflammatory agent. Modern researchers continue to investigate its bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eREAL-WORLD USE\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eApply a small amount to wood as a natural red-brown stain or varnish component. Dissolve in ethanol to create a working resin solution for coating or finishing. Use as a reference specimen in ethnobotany, natural dye studies, or plant chemistry coursework. Artists and bookbinders use it as a traditional pigment. At home, it makes a striking conversation piece and a tangible link to one of history's most storied natural materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSPECIMEN SPECS\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSource: \u003cem\u003eDracaena\u003c\/em\u003e spp. (dragon tree)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrimary compounds: Dracorhodin, dracorubin, phenylpropanoids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eForm: Liquid resin\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVolume: 30 mL (1 fl oz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolubility: Alcohol and organic solvents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Stemcell Science Shop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50976208945437,"sku":"STEM-DR-4866","price":15.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0738\/1195\/1901\/files\/e852f926cffd217aca8945563de5fa16c67d9be6815294a757a11b16378ed9f1.jpg?v=1788978283","url":"https:\/\/supertinymegastore.com\/products\/stemcell-science-shop-dragons-blood","provider":"Sparks - Super Tiny Megastore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}