Roughly 100 species of pau d'arco tree grow in the rainforests of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. In the trees' native range, folk herbalists use pau d'arco bark and leaves for medicinal purposes. Western medical scientists have isolated two key compounds, lapachol and beta-lapachone, which may be responsible for pau d'arco's medicinal properties. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns that many of pau d'arco's medicinal uses require a toxic or near-toxic dose of the herb. Consult your health care provider before using pau d'arco.
Anticancer Potential
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), compounds in pau d'arco may help to combat some forms of cancer. The organization notes that lapachol effectively destroys sarcoma tumors in animals. However, clinical trials have not yet demonstrated this effect in humans. ACS notes that human studies of lapachol ended in the 1970s, when scientists determined that it impairs blood clotting and increases the risk of hemorrhage.
Arthritis
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that pau d'arco is used as a traditional remedy for pain and inflammation related to arthritis. Lapachol and beta-lapachone have anti-inflammatory effects in animal tests and in-vitro studies. However, no large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated pau d'arco's efficacy or safety as a treatment for arthritis.
Yeast Overgrowth
Naturopaths and traditional healers may recommend pau d'arco as a treatment for candidiasis, or yeast overgrowth. Compounds in pau d'arco exhibit antifungal activity, but there is no clear evidence to support its use as an oral treatment for thrush or vaginal yeast infections. Pau d'arco tea may be used in a mouthwash or douche as a topical treatment for these infections.
Bacterial and Viral Infection
Applied topically or taken internally, pau d'arco tea may help to defeat some forms of bacterial or viral infection. The American Cancer Society reports that pau d'arco may help to combat malaria infection. Additionally, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes pau d'arco's traditional reputation as a treatment for influenza, herpes simplex, boils and the common cold. There is little compelling evidence to support these uses.
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