Pau D'Arco Extract

Pau D’Arco Extract (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

Pau D’Arco is classified as an alterative, immune tonic, and bitter herb in Western herbal medicine. The inner bark (phloem) is the part used medicinally and is characterised by its naturally occurring naphthoquinone content — particularly lapachol and β-lapachone — which are among the most extensively researched naturally occurring compounds in this herb. This extract is prepared in 60% alcohol from Pau D’Arco inner bark.

Naturally Occurring Compounds

• Lapachol — the primary naturally occurring naphthoquinone in Pau D’Arco bark; one of the most extensively researched naturally occurring compounds in this herb
• β-Lapachone — a naturally occurring naphthoquinone closely related to lapachol; also extensively researched
• Xyloidone and other naphthoquinones — naturally occurring compounds characteristic of Tabebuia species
• Flavonoids — including quercetin, luteolin, and fisetin
• Anthraquinones — naturally occurring compounds present in the bark
• Tannins — naturally occurring astringent compounds contributing to Pau D’Arco’s traditional digestive properties
• Saponins — naturally occurring compounds present in the bark

Traditional Herbal Use

Immune Wellness

Pau D’Arco is one of the most important immune herbs in South American traditional herbal medicine, with a long history of traditional use by indigenous peoples for immune wellness. It is classified as an immune tonic herb in Western herbal practice and is one of the most widely used South American botanicals for immune support in contemporary herbal medicine.

Digestive & Gastrointestinal Wellness

Pau D’Arco has a long traditional history of use in South American herbal medicine for digestive and gastrointestinal wellness. Its bitter and astringent properties have made it a traditional inclusion in herbal formulas for digestive and intestinal support.

Eliminative & Alterative Wellness

Pau D’Arco is classified as an alterative herb in Western herbal medicine — a category of herbs traditionally used to support the body’s natural eliminative processes. It has a traditional history of use in herbal formulas for eliminative and detoxification wellness.

Inflammatory Wellness

Pau D’Arco has a traditional history of use in South American herbal medicine for inflammatory wellness. Its naturally occurring naphthoquinone and flavonoid content have generated significant scientific research interest in the context of inflammatory wellness.

How to Use

Take 20–30 drops under the tongue or in a little juice or water, up to 2–3 times daily, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding — Pau D’Arco is contraindicated in pregnancy. Not recommended for long-term continuous use without practitioner guidance. High doses of lapachol may cause nausea, vomiting, and anticoagulant effects — use at recommended doses only. Consult your healthcare practitioner before use if you are taking blood-thinning medications or immunosuppressant medications. Not recommended for children without practitioner guidance.

Ingredients

Pau D’Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) inner bark, 60% alcohol.

Stack This With

• Echinacea Purpurea Extract — complementary immune herb
• Garlic Extract — complementary immune and digestive herb
• Black Walnut Hull Extract — complementary alterative and intestinal wellness herb
• Gumpii Extract — foundational botanical base

Related Wellness Guides

• Wellness Hub — explore all herbal guides

Content provided for informational purposes only. Not medical advice. Not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Consult your healthcare practitioner.