Pau d’Arco
Traditional bark prized for antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties.
Pau d’Arco is the common name for a South American tree whose inner bark (often called lapacho) has been used for centuries. The bark contains naftoquinones such as lapachol and beta-lapachone and is traditionally prepared as a decoction or sold as powders and capsules.
Traditional use and laboratory research point to antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and the herb is often described as an immune stimulant; preliminary studies have also explored potential antitumor effects. Uses and effects may vary by individual; the herb is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation and professional medical advice is advised before use.
At a Glance
A South American tree valued for its inner bark, which has a long history of traditional medicinal use.
The bark contains naphthoquinones such as lapachol, desoxylapachol and beta-lapachone and is commonly prepared as decoctions, powders and capsules.
Laboratory research has investigated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and traditional uses include support for infections and inflammatory complaints; effects can vary by individual.
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| Plant family | Bignoniaceae |
| Origin | South America |
| Parts used | Inner bark |
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Origin & History
Pau d’Arco is native to the tropical regions of South America, occurring from lowland Amazonian plains to high-altitude Andean slopes where related Tabebuia and Handroanthus species can grow up to nearly 4000 meters. The tree is collected in the wild across Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Peru for its inner bark, which is the part used in traditional preparations.
Indigenous peoples, including the Incas, harvested the inner bark and used decoctions as traditional remedies for snakebites and insect stings. Over time the bark’s use spread through regional herbal traditions and folk pharmacopeias, where it became associated with treatments for infections, fevers and inflammatory or digestive complaints; today it is commonly prepared as decoctions or processed into powders and capsules.
Composition & Active Compounds
Pau d’Arco is a medium-sized deciduous tree with opposite ovate leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers that can be yellow, pink or purple; the inner bark is the portion used in traditional and modern preparations. Its chemistry is dominated by naphthoquinones—notably lapachol, desoxylapachol and beta-lapachone—together with anthraquinones, coumarins, saponins, flavonoids, diterpenes, iridoid glycosides and phenylpropanoids. Naphthoquinones are regarded as the primary bioactive constituents and are a focus of phytochemical research, while the other compound classes contribute to the overall chemical profile.
The inner bark is the part most used in supplements and is rich in naphthoquinones such as lapachol.
- Lapachol: a naphthoquinone present in the bark and a principal phytochemical of interest.
- Desoxylapachol: a related naphthoquinone occurring alongside lapachol.
- Beta-lapachone: a naphthoquinone frequently identified in chemical analyses of the inner bark.
- Anthraquinones: secondary metabolites present in the bark that add to the plant’s chemical complexity.
- Coumarins: aromatic compounds found in many plants that may influence the herb’s activity profile.
- Saponins: glycosidic compounds with surfactant properties occurring in the bark.
- Flavonoids: polyphenolic compounds associated with antioxidant potential.
- Diterpenes: terpenoid constituents that contribute to phytochemical diversity.
- Iridoid glycosides: glycosylated monoterpenes commonly involved in plant defense chemistry.
- Phenylpropanoids: phenolic derivatives that contribute to the herb’s antioxidant and structural chemistry.
Properties & Effects
Pau d’Arco is traditionally used to support responses to infections, to address inflammatory complaints and as a general immune tonic derived from the tree’s inner bark. Its antimicrobial activity is the most frequently reported and studied traditional property.
- Antimicrobial: Research and traditional use suggest it may support the body in managing bacterial, fungal or viral infections.
- Anti-inflammatory: It may support relief of inflammatory symptoms in digestive, urogenital or respiratory complaints.
- Immune stimulant: Traditionally used to support or strengthen the immune system and to help with fatigue-related complaints.
- Antioxidant: Research suggests it may provide antioxidant support that helps protect cells from oxidative stress.
- Potential antitumor: Preliminary studies have explored possible anticancer effects, but evidence is limited and further research is needed.
Dosage & How to Use
Follow traditional dosing guidance cautiously and consult a healthcare professional before use.
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Safety, Side Effects & Contraindications
Pau d’Arco is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding; these groups should avoid the herb as a precaution. Reported side effects are uncommon in available sources, but individual responses can vary and mild adverse effects may occur.
No specific medication interactions are listed in the provided information; however, safety data are limited, so consult a healthcare professional before combining Pau d’Arco with prescription medicines or if there are underlying health conditions.
- Pregnancy: Not recommended for use during pregnancy.
- Lactation: Not recommended for use while breastfeeding.
Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if taking medications or managing health conditions.