Daemonorops is a genus of rattan palms primarily found in Southeast Asia`s tropics and subtropics. The fruits of some species, such as Daemonorops draco, produce red resin, known as dragon`s blood, which has been continuously used since ancient times as varnish, medicine, incense, and dye. It is called East Indian dragon`s blood to distinguish from other dragon`s blood from several plant species that make similar red resins. The source of resin can be identified by its existing compounds.

Dracorhodin is the one to identify D. draco unequivocally with the other dragon`s blood. In folk medicine, the resin has been used externally as a wash to promote wound healing and stop bleeding. It is used internally for chest pains, post-partum bleeding, internal traumas, and menstrual irregularities. Scientific studies on the resin have revealed anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-platelet, and apoptotic activities.