pau d'arco

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

• Antimicrobial: pau d’arco has been traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties, particularly against fungal and bacterial infections. 
• Antioxidant: pau d’arco contains antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, potentially reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall health. 
• Anti-inflammatory: pau d’arco may possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and associated symptoms. 
• Immunomodulatory: pau d’arco has been suggested to have immunomodulatory effects, meaning it may help regulate the immune system’s response and enhance immune function. 
• Antiparasitic: pau d’arco has been traditionally used to treat parasitic infections, although its efficacy for this purpose is still being studied. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Vomiting 

Anti-coagulant effects 

Nausea 

Dizziness 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning 

There is currently no black box warning for pau d’arco. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

pau d’arco is an herbal supplement and as such is not regulated by the FDA. Therefore, there are no official contraindications for pau d’arco. However, it is recommended that people with liver or kidney disease, breastfeeding or pregnant women, and people taking blood thinners should avoid taking pau d’arco.   

Caution: 

• Allergic reactions: Individuals may be allergic to pau d’arco or its components. If you have a known allergy to lapachol or other related compounds, it is advisable to avoid using pau d’arco. 
• Drug interactions: pau d’arco may interact with certain medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) and antiplatelet drugs.  
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There are limited information regarding the safety of pau d’arco during pregnancy and breastfeeding.  
• Liver and kidney conditions: Individuals with liver or kidney disease should exercise caution when using pau d’arco.  
• Quality and source: Ensure that you are using a reputable brand and source of pau d’arco to ensure product quality and safety.

Comorbidities: 

• Liver disease: pau d’arco is processed by the liver, so individuals with liver disease or impaired liver function should use Pau d’arco with caution.  
• Kidney disease: Although there is limited information available, individuals with kidney disease or impaired kidney function should use pau d’arco with caution. I 
• Bleeding disorders: pau d’arco may possess anticoagulant properties and may affect blood clotting.  
• Hormonal conditions: pau d’arco may have hormonal effects, and individuals with hormonal conditions such as estrogen-sensitive cancers or hormonal imbalances should consult with a healthcare professional before using pau d’arco. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

• Antimicrobial activity: pau d’arco has been reported to have antimicrobial properties, including activity against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.  
• Anti-inflammatory activity: pau d’arco has been suggested to possess anti-inflammatory properties. It may inhibit certain inflammatory mediators and enzymes, thereby reducing inflammation. 
• Antioxidant activity: pau d’arco is believed to have antioxidant effects, which help protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage caused by free radicals.  
• Immunomodulatory activity: pau d’arco may have immunomodulatory effects, meaning it can modulate or regulate the immune system. It may help support immune function and enhance the body’s defense mechanisms. 
• Anti-cancer potential: Some studies suggest that pau d’arco may have anti-cancer properties, including the ability to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells.

Pharmacodynamics 

• Antimicrobial activity: pau d’arco has been reported to exhibit antimicrobial effects against various microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. It may inhibit the growth and replication of these pathogens, contributing to its potential therapeutic use in infectious diseases. 
• Anti-inflammatory activity: pau d’arco has been suggested to possess anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce inflammation by inhibiting certain inflammatory mediators and enzymes, potentially providing relief in inflammatory conditions. 
• Antioxidant activity: pau d’arco is believed to have antioxidant effects. It may help scavenge free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to cells and tissues.  
• Immunomodulatory activity: pau d’arco may modulate the immune system. It has been proposed to enhance immune function and promote a balanced immune response, potentially supporting the body’s defense mechanisms. 
• Potential anticancer activity: Some studies suggest that pau d’arco may possess anticancer properties. It may inhibit the growth and proliferation of cancer cells, induce cell death (apoptosis), and exhibit antiangiogenic effects.

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

The absorption of pau d’arco can vary depending on the route of administration. When consumed orally, the active compounds in Pau d’arco may be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

The distribution of pau d’arco in the body after absorption is not well-documented. It is expected to distribute to various tissues and organs, but the extent and pattern of distribution are unknown. 

Metabolism 

The metabolism of pau d’arco in the body and the specific enzymes involved have not been extensively studied. It is possible that pau d’arco may undergo metabolic processes in the liver or other tissues, potentially resulting in the breakdown or transformation of its active constituents. 

Elimination and excretion 

The excretion of pau d’arco and its metabolites from the body is not well-documented. It is expected that the remnants of pau d’arco or its metabolites may be eliminated primarily through urine and feces, but the specific pathways and elimination half-life are unknown. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

pau d’arco, commonly available in the form of tea, capsules, or tinctures, can be administered orally. The specific dosage and administration instructions may vary depending on the formulation and the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: pau d’arco 

Pronounced as: (pow dar-koh)  

Why do we use pau d’arco? 

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: pau d’arco contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties and may be used to alleviate inflammation-related conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and skin disorders. 
• Antimicrobial Effects: pau d’arco is believed to possess antimicrobial properties, which may help fight against bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.  
• Immune System Support: pau d’arco is often used to boost the immune system and enhance overall immune function. It may help protect against common infections and support the body’s natural defense mechanisms. 
• Antioxidant Activity: The bark of the pau d’arco tree contains antioxidants that can help neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. This antioxidant activity may contribute to its potential anti-aging and health-promoting effects. 
• Traditional Cancer Support: pau d’arco has been used in traditional medicine as a supportive treatment for cancer.