short course
Infection Support
Maintenance & Recovery
Persister Cell Support
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a traditional West African herb used to support immune system health and microbial balance. Cryptolepis may help with growing and persister microbes.
10% off all supplements
Use code at checkout
MARTYROSS10
Opens Femologist.com in a new tab
TreatLyme and Dr. Marty Ross, MD, are affiliated with Femologist. We may earn a commission on purchases made through this link or code.
Quick Facts
Key Ingredients
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (root) extract 1 mL
Third-party Testing
Dietary
Plant-based
Written by
Dr. Marty Ross, MD
Updated
September 24, 2026
Dr. Ross's Expert Review
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a West African herb with a long history in traditional herbal medicine. When someone in my practice needs broad immune system support, especially within the herbal immune-support protocols I use, cryptolepis is one of the first herbs I think of. It is one of the herbs I trust most in my toolkit.
The studied side of cryptolepis is encouraging but limited. Test tube research shows the herb, and its main alkaloid cryptolepine, has strong activity against Babesia species, and laboratory work also shows activity against growing and persister forms of Borrelia and Bartonella. A 2023 review of natural bioactive nutraceuticals in tick-borne illness places cryptolepis near the top of the herbal options. These are lab findings, not human trials.
Safety data are limited too. Available toxicology work suggests the herb is generally well tolerated at commonly used amounts, though the same papers flag that anti-fertility and embryo effects have not been fully worked out. That fits with the standard warning to avoid it during pregnancy and nursing.
In my practice I use the 4 oz BioPure tincture as an ongoing support herb within a broader regimen rather than a stand-alone support. The liquid form makes it easy to start low, find a tolerable dose, and adjust as things change. Like most tinctures in this class, it can upset the stomach in some people. Diluting it in water or juice usually solves that.
I do not use cryptolepis in someone who is pregnant or nursing.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dr. Ross has a financial relationship with the Femologist store, where this product is sold.
How I Use It in My Practice
I use cryptolepis most often as an ongoing support herb inside a full herbal regimen. The dose depends on the situation and is always set with the person’s physician. My usual range works up from 2.5 ml three times a day to 5 ml three times a day when more ongoing support is the goal. I start low and increase the amount over days as tolerated. I pair it with the other steps in my protocol rather than leaning on it alone. I do not use it in pregnancy or nursing.
This reflects Dr. Ross's clinical experience and is educational, not medical advice. Work with your treating physician before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.
The Research, in Dr. Ross's Words
In my read of this research, cryptolepis has one of the better laboratory records among the herbal options in this category. In a published test tube study, Cryptolepis sanguinolenta showed potent inhibitory activity against Babesia duncani, with no regrowth after subculture, and the same work showed good activity against Borrelia burgdorferi. A separate study of cryptolepine, the herb’s major alkaloid, found growth inhibition across several Babesia species and Theileria equi, which suggests the activity is not limited to one organism. A 2023 review of natural bioactive nutraceuticals in tick-borne illness reaches a similar conclusion, noting strong in vitro inhibitory activity against Borrelia and other tick-borne pathogens, including Babesia and Bartonella. The paper also indicates activity against growing and persister germ states. However the research has limits because there are no human studies. On safety, toxicology data suggest the herb is generally well tolerated at amounts under 500 mg per kg of body weight in animal models, but the same authors note that potential anti-fertility and embryotoxic effects have not been adequately studied. That gap lines up with the standard caution against use in pregnancy and nursing.
References
From:
BioPure
Concentrated 1:5 herbal tincture supports broad-spectrum microbial balance, antioxidant defense, healthy inflammatory response, and healthy glucose and lipid metabolism.* Responsibly sourced from Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root — a West African botanical with centuries of traditional medicinal use — this tincture delivers bioactive indoloquinoline alkaloids, including cryptolepine, alongside flavonoids and tannins that contribute to its full range of benefits.*
Directions of Use
Take 1 full squeeze of the dropper 2 to 3 times per day or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Shake before use.
Does not contain
crustacean-shellfish
eggs
fish
milk
peanuts
sesame
soy
tree-nuts
wheat
Do not use when pregnant or nursing unless recommended by your healthcare practitioner. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry and dark place.
Excerpted from BioPure's product information. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 30 Drops (approx. 1 mL)
Servings Per Container: 118
| Amount Per Serving | Amount | |
|---|---|---|
Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (root) extract | 1 mL | |
Common Questions about Cryptolepis
Answers are general educational information, not medical advice for your situation.
Cryptolepis
By BioPure
From $60.00 · Save 10% with code MARTYROSS10
Crypto-Sida-Alchornea
Combines cryptolepis with sida acuta and alchornea in one tincture.
Japanese Knotweed
Infection Support herb used with cryptolepis for persister-form support.
Guide
Best Herbal Antibiotic Plans for Lyme, Bartonella, and Babesia
Herbal antibiotic plans guide that includes cryptolepis dosing directly.
Guide
Kills Babesia: A Brief Guide
Babesia guide that names cryptolepis as the lead herbal option with dosing.
Guide
The Ultimate Bartonella Management Guide
Bartonella management guide that features cryptolepis in its herbal regimens.