Pau d’arco is a dietary supplement made from the inner bark of several species of Tabebuia trees that grow in Central and South America.
Its name refers to both the supplement and the trees from which it is derived.
Also known as taheebo or lapacho, pau d’arco has long been used to treat a range of ailments. As a supplement, it is marketed to reduce inflammation and promote weight loss.
This article explains Pau D'Arco Herbal Supplement uses, benefits, side effects, and dosage information.
What Is Pau D’Arco?
Pau d’arco is the common name for several species of trees native to South and Central America’s tropical rainforests.
It can grow up to 125 feet tall and has pink-to-purple flowers, which bloom before new leaves appear.
It is incredibly dense and rot-resistant wood is used by native peoples to make hunting bows. What is more, tribes have long used its inner bark as a treatment for stomach, skin, and inflammatory conditions.
Several compounds called naphthoquinones — mainly lapachol and beta-lapachone — have been isolated from this inner bark and are thought responsible for its purported benefits.
That said, much of the research surrounding pau d’arco is limited to animal and test-tube studies — and therefore cannot be applied to humans.
May Help Treat Infections
Research suggests that pau d’arco extract has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
While the exact mechanism remains unknown, pau d’arco is thought to inhibit the processes bacteria and fungi need to produce oxygen and energy.
Several test-tube studies show that the bark extract provides protection against a few disease-causing organisms and may also inhibit the growth of infectious bacteria in your digestive system.
May Inhibit Inflammation
Pau d’arco extract is believed to inhibit inflammation — your body’s natural response to injury.
While low levels of inflammation are beneficial, chronic inflammation is thought to lead to diseases, such as cancer, obesity, and heart disease.
Several animal and test-tube studies demonstrate that pau d’arco extract inhibits the release of specific chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response in your body.
For example, in one study, pau d’arco extract blocked inflammation in mice by 30–50%, compared to a placebo.
May Reduce Weight
Pau d’arco may aid weight loss. Studies in mice demonstrate that pau d’arco extract inhibits pancreatic lipase, an enzyme that helps your body digest and absorb dietary fat. Blocking it reduces fat digestion — resulting in fewer absorbable calories.
The Bottom Line
Pau d’arco is a supplement made from the inner bark of a tropical tree.
While test-tube and animal studies suggest that this bark helps treat certain infections and reduces inflammation, studies in humans are lacking.
Therefore, the effectiveness and safety of pau d’arco extract remain largely unknown.
Take caution if you are interested in trying this supplement.