HERB PROFILE · EDUCATIONAL REFERENCE

Pau d’Arco / Lapacho

Botanical nameTabebuia avellanedae (current sources may place it as Handroanthus impetiginosus)

Plant part usedInner bark

Important safety information: Do not use as a cancer treatment or delay oncology care. Lapachol caused nausea, vomiting and anticoagulant or anti-vitamin-K effects at higher exposures in older trials. Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding, bleeding disorders, anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines and use before surgery.

Herbal actions

Antimicrobial activity in vitro
Anti-inflammatory activity in vitro
Antitumour activity in laboratory models

Traditional and practitioner uses

These uses are presented for historical and educational context. They are not treatment claims.

Longstanding South American traditional use
Historical use for respiratory, digestive and skin complaints
Laboratory antimicrobial and anticancer research
No established cancer treatment indication

Main constituents

Naphthoquinones including lapachol, beta-lapachone and related compounds; anthraquinones, flavonoids, steroidal saponins and alkaloids

Preparation overview

Tea: Decoction of dried inner bark. Fisher records this as a historical pharmacy guideline; it is not an evidence-based cancer dose.

Liquid extract reference: 1:2 (45%) historical Fisher reference

Preparation strengths are not interchangeable. Open the interactive guide for the complete evidence notes and sources available for this herb.

Herbilous provides educational information only. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms.