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
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Dysmenorrhea ✪✪✪✪✪
A small open-label study in adults suffering from dysmenorrhea showed that a daily intake of 1050 mg of Pau d'Arco combined with 75 mg of rutin for 8 weeks could reduce pain intensity by 41% compared with baseline. However, these results are limited by the absence of a comparator group and the frequent use of other pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Posologie
Oral: bark
1050 mg
dry extract
Synergies
Cancer ✪✪✪✪✪
The anticancer effects of lapacho are primarily attributed to its active compounds, notably lapachol and beta-lapachone. Research shows these compounds may interfere with DNA replication and RNA synthesis, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. In clinical settings, less toxic formulations, such as derivatives of lapachol, are being studied to exploit these promising anticancer properties. However, to date, no clinical trial has confirmed the effectiveness of lapacho in treating cancers.
Posologie
Oral: bark
1 g
aqueous decoction, dry extract
Parasitic infections, Fungal infections ✪✪✪✪✪
The most popular use of Lapacho in the Amazon is its traditional use as a remedy for infections, notably parasitic and fungal infections. It is often used in the form of a decoction to treat the candidiasis, and intestinal infections such as 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 fungal skin infections. Its extracts, notably aqueous, dichloromethane and methanolic, show significant antifungal activity.
Posologie
Topical, oral: bark
1 g
aqueous decoction
Properties
Anticancer
Lapacho, thanks to its active compounds such as lapachol and beta-lapachone, inhibits topoisomerase I activity and interferes with DNA replication, thereby slowing the proliferation of cancer cells. These mechanisms have shown efficacy against cancers such as breast, lung, and prostate in preclinical studies, although use in humans is limited by its toxicity.
Usages associés
Antibacterial
The anthraquinones of lapacho, such as 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 fungal cell membranes. Its efficacy 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 such as beta-lapachone suppress inflammatory responses by blocking the production of prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide via inhibition of the expression of the enzymes COX-2 and nitric oxide synthase. They also reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and macrophage-mediated responses. This action has been confirmed by animal studies in carrageenan-induced edema models.
Usages associés
Safe 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 adverse effects reported. High doses of lapachol (>1.5 g/day) can cause significant gastrointestinal toxicities and increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in cancer patients. Available formulations: Capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, powder and herbal 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 drugs or supplements. In vitro studies show that it reduces platelet aggregation and could interfere with vitamin K, an essential factor in coagulation. These effects are attributed mainly 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 could 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: contraindicated
Animal studies show teratogenic and abortifacient effects related to lapachol. Topical use is also not recommended due to the lack of reliable data.
Breastfeeding: contraindicated
No reliable information available, avoid use.
