General Description
Pau d'arco (also known as taheebo, lapacho, or ipe roxo) is a broad-leafed
tree native to the tropical rain forests of Brazil. Growing up to
40 meters in height, pau d'arco has red to purple colored flowers,
which bloom profusely shortly before the new leaves appear. The
tree has extremely hard wood, which is used for lumber in the construction
industry. The bark is used medicinally.
Health Applications
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antitumor
History and Traditional Use
In Brazil, the inner bark of pau d'arco has been used topically
and internally as a folk remedy for a wide variety of ailments including
boils, colitis, dysentery, fever, sore throat, snake bite, cancers,
ulcers, arthritis, constipation, poor circulation, and respiratory
problems.1 There is little scientific evidence
to support these traditional uses.
Chemical Composition
The active constituents in pau d'arco bark are a group of napthaquinone
derivatives, including lapachol and other closely related compounds.2,3
Studies indicate that these compounds may inhibit the growth of
bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and
Aspergillus niger,4 as well as the fungus
Candida albicans.5 The bark also contains
compounds known as cyclopentene dialdehydes, which have demonstrated
anti-inflammatory activity.6
Contemporary Uses
Pau d'arco has recently gained popularity because of its purported
anticancer properties. In animal studies, lapachol has been shown
to be active against various types of cancer; however, in human
trials the doses necessary for anticancer effects proved toxic.3
Many people use pau d'arco as an immune system tonic and for its
antimicrobial and antifungal effects.
Dosage/Toxicity
Dosage recommendations for pau d'arco vary according to intended
use. A common recommendation is 1 gram of whole herb, in capsules
or prepared as a tea, once or twice per day with meals. Pau d'arco
appears to be well tolerated at this dosage range. High amounts
of lapachol have been associated with side effects such as severe
nausea, vomiting, anemia, and bleeding.3 Many
herbalists recommend whole bark preparations over isolated lapachol
because they are not associated with serious side effects.1
Pau d'arco is not recommended for pregnant women or nursing mothers.
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