Pau d'arco (Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb, Bignoniaceae), is a tree found in tropical rain forests in northeastern Brazil. Also known as "taheebo", "lapacho", "ipê-roxo" or "pau d'arco", its purple bark has been traditionally used for over 1,500 years in South America to treat a variety of diseases as malaria, anemia, colitis, respiratory problems, colds, cough, flu, fungal infections, fever, arthritis and rheumatism, snakebite, poor circulation, boils, syphilis, and cancer. After a series of reports about positive effects of the popular use of T. avellanedae tea in the treatment of cancer, between the years 1960 and 1990, the National Cancer Institute of the United States was interested in investigating the antitumor effects of this plant and, in 1999, the FDA registered the use of T. avellanedae tea as a dietary supplement to relieve cancer states and symptoms.

CONSTITUENTS: The main phytochemical compounds isolated from T. avellanedae bark are flavonoids, cyclopentene dialdehydes, benzoic acids and enzoaldehyde derivatives, quinones, furanonaftoquinones and the most important ones - naphthoquinones and anthraquinones. Among the 18 most relevant quinones recorded so far, Lapachol and β-Lapachone seem to be the most clinically important since they have been related to the pharmacological activities of T. avellanedae tea. Twenty-one fatty acids were identified, among them oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid; Five organic acids, among them oxalic acid, citric acid, fumaric acid.

LATIN NAME: Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb 

USED PARTS: bark

DRYING METHOD: Sun Dried

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, dialdehydes derived from cyclopentene, benzoic acid and benzene derivatives, organic acids, quinones, furanonaftoquinones, naphthoquinones and anthraquinones. It also contains glycines, proteins, lipids, vitamins and minerals.

PROPERTIES: Several studies have shown that quinones (anthraquinones and naphthoquinones) antitumor and antimicrobial properties. In addition, other pharmacological properties of T.avellanedae have been described as: antibacterial, platelet antiplatelet, antinociceptive, antiedematogenic, antiulcerogenic, antiangiogenic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, diuretic and antipsoretic. Pau D’Arco acts as a powerful antifungal agent. The most important of these is lapachol, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Recently, a research group has shown that the ethanolic extract obtained from the bark of this plant, when administered systemically to the mice produces an antidepressive effect.

PREPARATION: Do not prepare an infusion/tea for this plant-it will not be as effective.

 - Decoction (tea): 2 teaspoons of pau d'arco bark (sheredded ou powder) for every litre of water. Infuse the tree bark into the boiling water and keep it on a low heat for five to ten minutes. Allow the tea to set for 20 to 30 minutes after removing it from the heat so that it will infuse fully. Keep the tea in your refrigerator after making it. Lapacho tea will stay fresh and retain its health benefits for a few days.

 - Powdered Extract: 200 to 300mg, 2 to 3 times daily.  Use under the supervision of physician or a practitioner licensed. 

 - Tincture: 50 to 100 drops, 2 to 3 times daily.

 - Capsules: 300 to 500mg three times per day.

APPLICATIONS: Nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, medicinal herb, medicinal plant, phytoterapic, pharmaceutical.

PRECAUTIONS: Pau d'arco is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth in typical doses. Talk with your healthcare provider before you decide to take it. High doses can cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and internal bleeding. Avoid use if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Pau d'arco can delay clotting and might interfere with treatment in people with bleeding disorders. Pau d'arco might slow blood clotting and could increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery. Consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

For educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease