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Ask the Herbalist_questions on Yeast Infections
effects. Another component, b-lapachone, continues to be investigated as an anticancer agent since it may have a
better side-effect profile and acts similarly to a new class of prescription antitumor drugs.1 Herbalists believe that the
whole herb can produce equivalent benefits with fewer side effects, but this claim has never been properly
investigated. Various ingredients in lapacho can also kill bacteria and fungi in the test tube.2 However, it is not yet
clear how well the herb works for this purpose when taken orally
What Is Lapacho Used for Today?
Based on its traditional use and the fledgling scientific evidence, some herbalists recommend lapacho as a treatment
for cancer However, we do not endorse this usage. There is no good evidence that lapacho is an effective cancer
treatment, and cancer is clearly not a disease to trifle with! Furthermore, the mechanism by which lapacho possibly
works may cause it to interfere with the action of prescription anticancer drugs. Definitely do not add it to a
conventional chemotherapy regimen without consulting your physician. Lapacho is also sometimes used to treat
candida yeast infections, respiratory infections such as colds and flus, infectious diarrhea, and bladder infections.
Note: Do not count on lapacho to treat serious infections.
Dosage
Lapacho contains many components that don t dissolve in water, so making tea from the herb is not the best idea. It
s better to take capsulized powdered bark, at a standard dosage of 300 mg 3 times daily. For the treatment of yeast
and other infections, it is taken until symptoms resolve. The inner bark of the lapacho tree is believed to be the most
effective part of the plant. Unfortunately, inferior products containing only the outer bark and the wood are sometimes
misrepresented as "genuine inner-bark lapacho."
Safety Issues
Full safety studies of lapacho have not been performed. When taken in normal dosages, it does not appear to cause
any significant side effects.3 However, because its constituent lapachol is somewhat toxic, the herb is not
recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers. Safety in young children or those with severe liver or kidney disease
has also not been established.
From the Mother Nature Website
Pau d arco (Tabebuia impestiginosa)
Common names: Lapacho, taheebo
Parts used and where grown: Various related species of pau d arco trees grow in rain forests throughout Latin
America. The bark is used for medical purposes.
In what conditions might pau d arco be supportive?
" infection
" yeast infection
Historical or traditional use: Native peoples in Central and South America reportedly use pau d arco bark to treat
cancer, lupus, infectious diseases, wounds, and many other health conditions.1 Caribbean folk healers use the leaf of
this tree in addition to the bark for the treatment of backache, toothache, sexually transmitted diseases, and as an
aphrodisiac.
Active constituents: Lapachol and beta-lapachone (known collectively as naphthaquinones) are two primary active
compounds in pau d arco. According to laboratory tests, both have antifungal properties as potent or more so than
ketaconazole, a common antifungal drug.2 Although these compounds also have anticancer properties, the effective
dosage for this effect is toxic.3 4 Therefore, pau d arco cannot currently be recommended as a treatment for cancer.
How much should I take? Because the naphthaquinone active constituents are not water soluble, a tea from pau d
arco bark is ineffective. Capsules or tablets providing 300 mg of powdered bark can be taken; usually three capsules
are ingested three times per day. A tincture can be used in the amount of 0.5-1 ml, three times per day.
Are there any side effects or interactions? High doses of lapachol can cause uncontrolled bleeding, nausea, and
vomiting.5 Use of the whole bark is much safer than isolated lapachol-the whole bark has no known serious side
effects.6 Pregnant or lactating women should avoid use of pau d arco.
References:
1. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 470-1.
2. Guiraud P, Steiman R, Campos-Takaki GM, et al. Comparison of antibacterial and antifungal activities of lapachol
and beta-lapachone. Planta Med 1994;60:373-4.
3. Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products
Press, 1994, 180
4. Oswald EH Lapacho. Brit J Phytother 1993/4;3:112-7.
5. Duke JA. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1985, 470-1.
6. Oswald EH. Lapacho. Brit J Phytother 1993/4;3:112-7.
Check the Web at Jim Dukes Ethnobotanical Database for Pau D' Arco for constituents and medicinal chemical
activities of the plant.
http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/duke/farmacy2.pl
As to where can you buy this herb we carry it in our store and are glad to mail order it to you. Please Call!
Here is some more information:
If you are trying to get pregnant I would not use Pau d'Arco as cautioned above, if you want to use this herb then use a
birth control method to stop chances of getting pregnant while on it. You may want to read my previous question and
answer on pregnancy and getting pregnant for other ideas.
In general lower your sugar and refined and processed white flour and wheat load, these simple sugars in diet
increase chances of infection. Drink lots of water to continually flush your system. Reduce the consumption of fruit
juices and sugar laden soda and drinks, some even say eliminate fruit in general. Diet plays a critical role clean it up
completely see my other questions and answers on a simple change to eating using a 3 by 5 reminder card.
Increase use of probiotics, or "friendly" bacteria, use a mixture of acidophilus, bulgaricus, and bifidus. The suggested
daily dose should be in the range of 3 to 10 billion viable organisms. Look for refrigerated products.
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