Pau D’arco

Pau D'arco Pau D’arco (Tabebuia avellanedae) is a plant that is native to the warm parts of South and Central America. It is a broadleaf evergreen tree that grows as high as 125 feet, producing pink to violet coloured flowers. The plant is quite resistant to diseases and its inner bark is used for medicinal purposes.

In recent years, Pau D’arco has received massive attention in North America and Europe. Researchers have found some unique organic compounds contained in the tree, like naphthoquinones, which may explain its various health benefits. Pau D’arco is particularly used to fight infections and cancers.¹

Health Benefits of Pau D’arco

Below are some of the well-known health benefits of Pau D’arco:

Helps Fight Infections

Studies show that Pau D’arco is active against various bacteria and fungi. However, science has not fully understood its mechanism of action. Although it may not be as potent as modern antibiotics, Pau D’arco may be helpful when used along with antibiotics. One study found that one of the compounds in the Pau D’arco plant, called beta-lapachone, is quite active against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Similarly, another experiment found that Pau D’arco could inhibit the growth of H. pylori. Therefore, it appears that Pau D’arco is suitable for both intestinal and systemic infections.²^,³
Inhibits Inflammation

Inflammation is not just responsible for causing pain in joints or muscles. It appears that low-grade inflammation may considerably increase the risk of various ailments like heart disease, diabetes, and much more. That is why researchers are looking for new ways of reducing low-grade systemic inflammation. Studies show that Pau D’arco bark extract may lower inflammation by as much as 30% in some cases. Using Pau D’arco appears to inhibit various inflammatory enzymes in the body.⁴
Aids Weight Loss

It appears that using Pau D’arco extract may help to reduce the incidence of metabolic disorders. It seems to work by inhibiting pancreatic lipase, and therefore it may lower fat absorption. Studies show that intake of Pau D’arco is not only associated with weight loss; it may also help counter visceral obesity. Additionally, using Pau D’arco may also help lower levels of cholesterol in the body.⁵^,⁶
Anti Cancer

Pau D’arco extract is often used to fight common cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer. However, it should be noted that at present, there is not enough research to support its use in cancer. There is some evidence from lab studies that using Pau D’arco may suppress the growth of cancer cells, but that is not enough to justify its use in the condition.⁷

Side Effects of Pau D’arco

Pau D’arco is used as a traditional remedy from Central America. Although it appears to be safe, as it has been used as a traditional remedy for a long time period, there is not enough clinical data to confirm its safety. Therefore, it suggested that Pau D’arco should not be used in children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Like many other herbs, Pau D’arco may cause an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal disturbances. In addition, it may interact with some drugs like blood thinning agents.¹

Since Pau D’arco does not grow outside Latin America, obtaining high-quality Pau D’arco supplements may be challenging. Additionally, there are reports that many supplements are made from sawdust bought from Brazilian lumber mills, and such supplements lack much effect. Therefore it is suggested that Pau D’arco should only be purchased from respected sources and manufacturers.

Properties

Anti-Bacterial¹^,²^,³
Anti-Fungal¹^,²^,³
Anti-Inflammatory⁴
Antibiotic²^,³
Antioxidant¹^,²^,³
Cancer Prevention¹^,7
Cholesterol⁵^,⁶
Diabetes / Blood Sugar⁴^,⁵^,⁶
Digestive Restoration⁴
Heart Support / Health⁴^,⁵^,⁶
Weight Loss / Management⁵^,⁶

References: