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Commonly known as LaPacho in Brazil, where it is native, Pau D'Arco (Tebebuia avellanedae) is now fairly popular as a supplement ingredient in the United States. There are about 100 species of similar plants in the tropics of the Americas, only a few of which have the activities described here. The heartwood, or inner bark contains as many as 16 quinone compounds, the best studied and most active components of Pau D'Arco. Lapachol, one of the best-studied naphthoquinones in Pau D'Arco, is usually present at between 2-7%.
Source
Extracts of Pau D'arco are used in antifungal, antimicrobial and general immune enhancing products.
Function; Reasons For Use
Lapachol, as well as the whole extract, has been shown to be antimicrobial against a wide range of infection organisms. Several of the quinones have proven to also have antiviral, antiparasitic, antiineoplastic and anti-inflammatory activities. With these activities, the use of Pau D' Arco is quite broad.
Lapachol is not only bacteriocidal for a wide array of gram negative and gram-positive bacteria, but is also very effective against Candida albicans.
Directions
LaPacho bark can be boiled in water and used as a soak for toenail and fingernail fungus.
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Pau D'Arco / Taheebo can help with the following:
KEY | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Antifungal (Antifungals)
An agent that kills or inhibits fungi, or a compound that inhibits either a dermatomycosis like ringworm or athlete's foot, or
one that inhibits Candida albicans either externally as a douche or internally as a systemic antifungal. Examples: Nystatin, griseofulvin, Tabebuia.
Anti-inflammatory (Antiinflammatory)
Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms, without directly acting on the cause of inflammation, e.g., glucocorticoids, aspirin.
Antimicrobial
Tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth.
Antiparasitic
Destructive to parasites.
Antiviral
Any of a number of herbs, drugs or agents capable of destroying viruses or inhibiting their growth or multiplication until the body is capable of destroying the virus itself. Most antiviral agents are members of the antimetabolite family.
Bacteria (Bacterial, Bacterium)
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Candidiasis (Candida)
Infection of the skin or mucous membrane with any species of candida, usually Candida albicans. The infection is usually localized to the skin, nails, mouth, vagina, bronchi, or lungs, but may invade the bloodstream. It is a common inhabitant of the GI tract, only becoming a problem when it multiplies excessively and invades local tissues. Growth is encouraged by a weakened immune system, as in AIDS, or with the prolonged administration of antibiotics. Vaginal symptoms include itching in the genital area, pain when urinating, and a thick odorless vaginal discharge. Candidiasis is also known as: Candida; Candida albicans; Candida Related Complex; Chronic Candida Syndrome; (Chronic) Systemic Candidiasis; Monilia; Candidiasis Hypersensitivity Syndrome; Candidosis; (Chronic) Mucocutaneous Candidosis; Thrush (oral or vaginal); Moniliasis; Polysystematic Candidiasis.
Gram (gm, gms, Gramme, Grammes, Grams)
A metric unit of weight, there being approximately 28 grams in one ounce.
Tropics (Tropical)
The region of the earth's surface lying between 23°27 North of the equator and 23°27 South of the equator.
Last updated: Apr 13, 2008
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