Assam has added to India’s botanical wealth a plant that yields dragon’s blood — a bright red resin used since ancient times as medicine, body oil, varnish, incense and dye. 

• A trio of researchers led by Assam forest officials has discovered Dracaena cambodiana, a dragon tree species in the Dongka Sarpo area of West Karbi Anglong.  
• This is for the first time that a dragon tree species has been reported from India. 
• Dracaena cambodiana is an important medicinal plant as well as an ornamental tree.  
• It is a major source of dragon’s blood, a precious traditional medicine in China.  
• Several antifungal and antibacterial compounds, antioxidants, flavonoids, etc., have been extracted from various parts of the plant. 

Source: The Hindu