Pau D’Arco Extract Background & Benefits

Pau D'Arco is also known as Taheebo and Lapacho. It comes from a large flowering tree that is native to sub-tropical regions of South America. Its Latin name is Handroanthus impetiginosus (sometimes referred to by the synonym Tabebuia avellanedae).

The inner tree bark of Pau D’Arco has been used traditionally by indigenous peoples, including the Incas, as a "cure all" for wounds, skin diseases, snakebites, fever, malaria, intestinal problems including dysentery and lung health.

In more recent times, it has been by herbalists as a general tonic, immunostimulant and adaptogen. It is most used as herbal medicine for overgrowth of the fungal species Candida in the digestive system.

Scientists have identified two main active compounds in Pau D'Arco. These active compounds are called naphthoquinones; lapachol and beta-lapachone. Pau D’Arco also contains significant amounts of the antioxidant quercetin.

In cell-based assays, these compounds kill some bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites. They also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Uses of Pau D’Arco Extract

Pau D'Arco Extract is most commonly used to help fight off Candida which is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that overgrows when the immune system is compromised.

Signs You May Need Pau D’Arco Extract

You may benefit from taking Pau D'Arco if you have overgrowth of Candida. The main indicator of Candida overgrowth is repeated outbreaks of Candida, such as vaginal thrush, or oral candidiasis.

References:

Byeon SE, Chung JY, Lee YG, Kim BH, Kim KH, Cho JY. In vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of taheebo, a water extract from the inner bark of Tabebuia avellanedae. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;119:145-152.

Gomez Castellanos JR, Prieto JM, Heinrich M. Red Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa) -- a global ethnopharmacological commodity? J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;121:1-13.