Cryptolepis sanguinolenta is a species of flowering plant in the family Apocynaceae. An extract from the root is traditionally used in West Africa to treat malaria. The alkaloid cryptolepine is a potent antimalarial. The plant also has potential for treating Type II diabetes and is considered a powerful systemic antibiotic. It contains the antibacterial alkaloids cryptolepine, quindoline, and neocryptolepine. The roots are also used as a yellow dye.