Lapacho: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
Pau d'arco
Scientific name(s)
Tabebuia impetiginosa
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Anthraquinones
Flavonoids
Lapachol
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
A small open study in adults with dysmenorrhea showed that a daily intake of 1050 mg of Pau d'Arco combined with 75 mg of rutin for 8 weeks could reduce the intensity of pain by 41% from baseline. However, these results are limited by the absence of a comparator group and the frequent use of other pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Posologie
Oral: Bark
1050 mg
Dry extract
Synergies
Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
The anticancer effects of lapacho are primarily attributed to its active compounds, including lapachol and beta-lapachone. Research shows that these compounds can interfere with DNA replication and RNA synthesis, thus inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. In clinical settings, less toxic formulations, such as derivatives of lapachol, are being studied to harness these promising anticancer properties. However, to date, no clinical study has confirmed the efficacy of lapacho in the treatment of cancers.
Posologie
Oral: Bark
1 g
Aqueous decoction, dry extract
Parasitic Infections, Mycoses ✪✪✪✪✪
The most popular use of Lapacho in the Amazon is its traditional use as a remedy against infections, notably parasitic and fungal infections. It is often used in the form of a decoction to treat candidiasis, and intestinal infections like amebiasis. This use is supported by its well-documented antimicrobial properties, attributed to naphthoquinones such as lapachol and beta-lapachone. Lapacho is also used in traditional medicine to treat skin fungal infections. Its extracts, particularly aqueous, dichloromethane and methanolic extracts, show significant antifungal activity.
Posologie
Topical use, oral: Bark
1 g
Aqueous decoction
Properties
Anticancer
Lapacho, thanks to its active compounds like lapachol and beta-lapachone, inhibits the activity of topoisomerase I and interferes with DNA replication, thus slowing down the proliferation of cancer cells. These mechanisms have shown efficacy against cancers such as breast, lung, and prostate in preclinical studies, although human use is limited by its toxicity.
Usages associés
Antibacterial
The anthraquinones in lapacho, like anthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid, show strong activity against Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium paraputrificum. Beta-lapachone, more effective than lapachol, acts against pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and various species of Streptococcus and Bacillus. Its mechanism includes interference with cellular respiratory mechanisms.
Usages associés
β-Lapachone activity in synergy with conventional antimicrobials against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains
Selective growth-inhibiting effects of compounds identified in Tabebuia impetiginosa inner bark on human intestinal bacteria
Antifungal
Lapachol acts by disrupting the cell membranes of fungi. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and other pathogenic species, with activity comparable to amphotericin B.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Cyclopentene derivatives and compounds like beta-lapachone suppress inflammatory responses by blocking the production of prostaglandin E2 and NO via the inhibition of COX-2 enzymes and NO synthase expression. They also reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and macrophage-mediated responses. This action has been confirmed by animal studies on carrageenan-induced edema models.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult: 1000 mg (dry extract)
For dysmenorrhea: 1050 mg of Pau d'Arco combined with 75 mg of rutin per day for 8 weeks was well-tolerated, with no serious side effects reported. High doses of lapachol (>1.5 g/day) may cause significant gastrointestinal toxicity and increase the risk of bleeding, especially in cancer patients. Available formulations: Capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, powder, and tea. Some products are standardized to 3% naphthoquinones, but these indications are not scientifically validated.
Interactions
Médicaments
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
Lapacho could increase the risk of bleeding when combined with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications or supplements. In vitro studies show it reduces platelet aggregation and could interfere with vitamin K, an essential factor in coagulation. These effects are primarily attributed to lapachol, its active compound. A clinical study indicates that at doses above 1.5 g per day, lapachol significantly increases the risk of bleeding.
Plantes ou autres actifs
Antiplatelet agents/Anticoagulant: moderate interaction
Lapacho might also interact with herbs and supplements that have anticoagulant or antiplatelet effects, such as ginkgo biloba, turmeric, or garlic, increasing the risk of bleeding.
Contraindications
Pregnant women: prohibited
Animal studies show teratogenic and abortive effects related to lapachol. Topical use is also discouraged due to a lack of reliable data.
Breastfeeding women: prohibited
No reliable information available, avoid use.
