Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Pau D’Arco WorksUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsSources & What to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Pau D’Arco Works
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
Sources & What to Look For
Pau d’arcois valued for its antioxidant properties and other potential health benefits. Preliminary laboratory research indicates pau d’arco may be useful in reducing inflammation, treating infections, improving wound healing, and treating cancer. These studies could lead to pau d’arco treatment for those living with arthritis, certain yeast infections, and more.
Pau d’arco contains plant-based compounds calledlapacholandbeta-lapachone. They are found in the tree bark of certainTabebuiaspecies and have long been used in traditional medicine.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Drawn from the rainforests of Central and South America, the plant-basednaphthoquinonecompounds compounds are studied for their potential antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal effects. Pau d’arco has been an ingredient in herbal medicines for centuries and is available as a dietary supplement. It also includes a potent antioxidant calledquercetin.
Research has investigated the individual components of pau d’arco and the whole plant. The use of the whole plant sometimes results in a synergistic effect, meaning the whole plant might work better than just one of its chemical components alone.
Is the pau d’arco tree endangered?The popularity of pau d’arco in traditional medicine has led to concerns about its sustainability. As a canopy tree of the Amazon, it is one of many species facing extinction as deforestation continues to wreak havoc on the rainforests of Brazil. RelatedTabebuiaspecies are on the vulnerable or threatened species list.
Is the pau d’arco tree endangered?
The popularity of pau d’arco in traditional medicine has led to concerns about its sustainability. As a canopy tree of the Amazon, it is one of many species facing extinction as deforestation continues to wreak havoc on the rainforests of Brazil. RelatedTabebuiaspecies are on the vulnerable or threatened species list.
Uses of Pau D’Arco
Folk medicine has often put pau d’arco forth as a treatment for a wide range of medical disorders, including:
However, there is generally no quality evidence supporting treatment for any of these conditions.
There is some preliminary evidence fromin vitroresearch in animals, animal cells, and human cells that pau d’arco could one day help treat medical conditions. Because the studies of pau d’arco are on cells, it’s insufficient to draw conclusions about human use yet.
Here is a look at some of these critical research findings.
Inflammation
Pau d’arco has been studied in several types of inflammation, including pau d’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) extract decreasing inflammatory cyclooxygenase II (COX-2) in human cells.
Researchers studied pau d’arco water extract in mouse cells and live mice.The 2008 mouse cell study showed decreased production of some inflammatory chemicals, including prostaglandins, nitric oxide, and COX-2. These results suggest pau d’arco may have some anti-inflammatory effects.
More About ProstaglandinsProstaglandins appear at tissue damage or infection sites. They cause inflammation, pain, and fever as part of the healing process. By countering this effect, pau d’arco may reverse the swelling and pain associated with inflammatory conditions such asosteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis, andbenign prostatic hyperplasia(enlarged prostate).These effects are still theoretical, and more research in people is necessary before researchers can draw firm conclusions.
More About Prostaglandins
Prostaglandins appear at tissue damage or infection sites. They cause inflammation, pain, and fever as part of the healing process. By countering this effect, pau d’arco may reverse the swelling and pain associated with inflammatory conditions such asosteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis, andbenign prostatic hyperplasia(enlarged prostate).These effects are still theoretical, and more research in people is necessary before researchers can draw firm conclusions.
Prostaglandins appear at tissue damage or infection sites. They cause inflammation, pain, and fever as part of the healing process. By countering this effect, pau d’arco may reverse the swelling and pain associated with inflammatory conditions such asosteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis, andbenign prostatic hyperplasia(enlarged prostate).
These effects are still theoretical, and more research in people is necessary before researchers can draw firm conclusions.
Another study also gaveTabebuia avellanedaewater extract to mice withcolitisto test its anti-inflammatory effects.Scientists found the extract caused mice to have fewer clinical symptoms and reduced tissue inflammation. Like the previous study, results from mouse studies are somewhat promising but do not necessarily apply to humans.
Is Pau d’Arco an Anti-Inflammatory Tea?It isn’t yet known if pau d’arco could be useful as an anti-inflammatory tea. Although researchers have studied pau d’arco in animals and test tubes for anti-inflammatory effects, there is no evidence for this use in people yet.Researchers have studied other teas with health benefits andfoods with anti-inflammatory effects. Most importantly, consuming a diet high in vegetables and fruit, fiber, enough protein, and whole grains can support your overall health.
Is Pau d’Arco an Anti-Inflammatory Tea?
It isn’t yet known if pau d’arco could be useful as an anti-inflammatory tea. Although researchers have studied pau d’arco in animals and test tubes for anti-inflammatory effects, there is no evidence for this use in people yet.Researchers have studied other teas with health benefits andfoods with anti-inflammatory effects. Most importantly, consuming a diet high in vegetables and fruit, fiber, enough protein, and whole grains can support your overall health.
It isn’t yet known if pau d’arco could be useful as an anti-inflammatory tea. Although researchers have studied pau d’arco in animals and test tubes for anti-inflammatory effects, there is no evidence for this use in people yet.
Researchers have studied other teas with health benefits andfoods with anti-inflammatory effects. Most importantly, consuming a diet high in vegetables and fruit, fiber, enough protein, and whole grains can support your overall health.
5 Natural Ways to Fight Inflammation
Infections
The Tabebuia tree’s bark is highly resistant to rotting, mold, and other common tree pathogens (bacteria, viruses, or other tiny organisms that may cause disease).These properties may or may not eventually translate to the treatment or prevention of common bacterial, viral, orfungal infectionsin people.
This section includes one study in humans that used a combination product, but most research involved animals andin vitrostudies.
Fungal infections
An earlyin vitrostudy of plant extracts, including Tabebuia extract, also tested their activity againstCandida albicans.Tabebuia extract showed inhibition of some fungus strains that cause human disease. These included strains ofCandida,Aspergillus,Saccharomyces, andPenicillium.
Viral and parasitic Infections
A review suggested thatTabebuia impetiginosamay have antiviral effects against the human herpes virus and that a compound derived fromlapachol(a compound in pau d’arco) may have antiparasitic effectsin vitro.
Bacterial infections
Anin vitrostudy tested the antimicrobial effects of lapachol.The bacteria tested included ones that could cause severe human infections, such asEnterococcus faecalis,Staphylococcus aureus,Cryptococcus gattii, andParacoccidioides brasiliensis. Lapachol showed activity against all these microorganisms.
Anotherin vitrostudy examined whether plant medicines like pau d’arco could work along with someantibioticsto make them more effective.This study tested a combination ofTabebuia avellanedaebark extract and other medicinal plants against bacteria, includingHaemophilus influenzae,Staphylococcusaureus, andKlebsiella pneumoniae.
Scientists also tested the antibacterial effects of combining medicinal plants with antibiotics. These includedclarithromycin,azithromycin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. Results showed that the medicinal plant extracts sometimes increased antibacterial activity, which is a path for future study.
Despite the promising results of these studies, the dosages used in manyin vitroexperiments would be toxic in humans. Further investigation in humans is necessary before researchers can draw any firm conclusions.
Wound Healing
Researchers studied the wound-healing effects of beta-lapachone, a component of pau d’arco.
Scientists tested the effects of beta-lapachone on mouse cells, human cells, and live mice.Beta-lapachone caused cells to release proteins involved in wound healing. Beta-lapachone ointment used in mice also led to faster recovery than ointment without the added beta-lapachone.
Researchers cannot apply these results to humans like the other animal andin vitrostudies noted. They only mean that further research is worthwhile.
Cancer
Compounds in pau d’arco have shownin vitroevidence for inhibition of the growth of some types of tumors.This is not the same as effectiveness against cancer in a person.
Check with your healthcare provider before adding integrative treatments to yourcancer treatmentregimen. Sometimes medicinal herbs can worsen your symptoms or even interact with your cancer medicine. Remember, do not replace your cancer treatment with herbal medicine.
Here are some of the research findings:
Although there is promising evidence from cells and test tubes for future cancer drug discovery, pau d’arco does not yet have evidence for treating or preventing cancer.
More About ApoptosisAll normal cells undergo apoptosis so new cells can replace old cells. Cancer cells, however, are “immortal,” replicating without end. Triggering apoptosis (cell death) can theoretically control cancerous tumors.
More About Apoptosis
All normal cells undergo apoptosis so new cells can replace old cells. Cancer cells, however, are “immortal,” replicating without end. Triggering apoptosis (cell death) can theoretically control cancerous tumors.
What Are the Side Effects of Pau d’Arco?
Little is known about the long-term safety of pau d’arco. Pau d’arco is possibly unsafe.
In high doses, a chemical found in pau d’arco can cause severe symptoms, including:
To avoid interactions or potentially severe side effects, always consult your healthcare provider about any herbal supplement or medication you take. And call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.
Pau d’arco may slow blood clotting because it inhibits blood clotting factors that depend on vitamin K.
You should stop taking any medicine or herb that inhibits clotting or increases the risk of bleeding for at least two weeks before surgery. Ask your healthcare provider if you also need to stop taking any of your medications or supplements temporarily if you have surgery planned.
Due to the lack of safety research, children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take pau d’arco. Limited animal studies showed fetal harm with lapachol.
People with kidney or liver disease should also take it with caution.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Dosage: How Much Pau d’Arco Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Pau d’arco is available as capsules, tablets, dried bark tea, bark powder, and alcohol-based tinctures. There are no guidelines directing its appropriate use.
Doses that have been researched include 250 milligrams (mg) to 3,750 mg daily.Dosages on various supplement labels include 2.5 milliliters (mL) or 1 mL tincture mixed with water and 1 gram (g) or 500 milligrams (mg) in a capsule.
Accurately calculating the dosage of pau d’arco in tea form is sometimes difficult.
Store pau d’arco in a cool, dry place. Keep pau d’arco away from direct sunlight. Discard as indicated on the packaging.
Supplement FactsActive ingredients: Beta-lapachone, lapachol, quercetinAlternate names: Bow tree, ipe, lapacho,Tabebuia impetiginosa,Tabebuia avellanedae, Tabebuia, taheeboLegal status: Over-the-counter herbal supplement (United States)Suggested dose: No suggested dosage guideline is available.Safety considerations: Bleeding or clotting problems (avoid pau d’arco)
Supplement Facts
Active ingredients: Beta-lapachone, lapachol, quercetinAlternate names: Bow tree, ipe, lapacho,Tabebuia impetiginosa,Tabebuia avellanedae, Tabebuia, taheeboLegal status: Over-the-counter herbal supplement (United States)Suggested dose: No suggested dosage guideline is available.Safety considerations: Bleeding or clotting problems (avoid pau d’arco)
Active ingredients: Beta-lapachone, lapachol, quercetin
Alternate names: Bow tree, ipe, lapacho,Tabebuia impetiginosa,Tabebuia avellanedae, Tabebuia, taheebo
Legal status: Over-the-counter herbal supplement (United States)
Suggested dose: No suggested dosage guideline is available.
Safety considerations: Bleeding or clotting problems (avoid pau d’arco)
What Happens if I Take Too Much Pau D’Arco?
Information about the toxicity of pau d’arco in humans is sparse.
However, a study in male rats taking high levels ofTabebuia impetiginosaextract showed damage to DNA in liver cells.This effect was dose-dependent, meaning the damage increased as the dose increased.
The exact translation of this information for humans is unclear. However, people with kidney or liver disease should take it cautiously.
Because pau d’arco can slow blood clotting, it can cause a negative interaction with blood thinners like Jantoven (warfarin) or Plavix (clopidogrel).
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)have a theoretical interaction with pau d’arco. Although there are no published studies about pau d’arco interacting with NSAIDs, this can still happen. Any supplement that affects bleeding can increase the risk of bleeding that is already present as a side effect of NSAID use.
Whatever pau d’arco product you buy, read the label carefully to ensure that it containsTabebuia avellanedaeorTabebuia impetiginosaas an ingredient.
Carefully reading a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient it includes is essential. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Sources of Pau d’Arco and What to Look For
Pau d’arco supplements are available in drug stores and online. Although you may find it difficult to make sure that you will always get the exact amount of pau d’arco on its packaging’s label, you can choose brands that are more reputable. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations of brands that are known to have undergone testing for impurities.
Pau D’Arco Supplements
Pau d’arco comes in these forms:
If you choose the tea form, you may have some difficulty estimating the dosage you are taking.
Always read the label to check for any added ingredients you may have allergies or sensitivities to, including gluten and animal-based gelatins.
Talk with your healthcare provider first if you’re considering using pau d’arco or making other dietary changes. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.
1:42Everything You Need to Know About Pau D’Arco
1:42
Everything You Need to Know About Pau D’Arco
Summary
Pau d’arco is the bark of several species of trees native to the rainforests of Central and South America. It has long been part of folk medicine.
Research on pau d’arco has mostly beenin vitroand for animals. There have been promising results that it may have future potential for treating some types of infections, inflammatory conditions, and cancers. However, this evidence does not support the use of pau d’arco to treat any conditions in humans yet.
Due to the lack of safety research, children, people who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or people with liver or kidney problems should not use pau d’arco. You should also avoid it if you take blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or if you have any medical conditions affecting bleeding or clotting.
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