Pau D'arco Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Pau D'Arco Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Pau d'arco, also known as Quebracho, is an evergreen tree native to the Amazon rainforest. Traditionally used for cancer, inflammation, and infections, caution is advised when used orally due to potential toxicity, especially at high doses. Limited information is available about its safety in pregnancy and lactation.

How Is Pau D'Arco Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

The bark and wood of pau d'arco contain various compounds, including naphthoquinones like lapachol and beta-lapachone. These constituents exhibit antibacterial, anticancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antiplatelet effects. Beta-lapachone, for example, inhibits topoisomerase I, triggering cancer cell apoptosis and showing antiangiogenic effects. Pau d'arco's diverse mechanisms also include interference with DNA replication, anti-inflammatory properties, and acceleration of wound healing.

Pharmacokinetics

In vitro research suggests that beta-lapachone, a constituent of pau d'arco, undergoes metabolism via catechol-o-methyltransferase and cytochrome P450 enzymes. Specific isoforms were not identified, indicating the need for further study.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

Pau d'arco may interact with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised when combining with these medications. Additionally, interactions with anticoagulant/antiplatelet herbs and supplements are theoretically possible.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

While a thorough safety evaluation is lacking, high doses of lapachol, a constituent of pau d'arco, are considered unsafe and may lead to gastrointestinal toxicities. The overall safety profile and potential side effects warrant further investigation.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Commercially available as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, powder, and tea, pau d'arco products may claim standardization to 3% naphthoquinones, but scientific validation is lacking. Some products have been found to be adulterated or mislabeled, emphasizing the importance of reliable sourcing.

What Is Pau D'Arco Typically Used For?

Pau d'arco has been traditionally used for cancer, inflammation, and infections. While interest exists in its potential for treating peptic ulcers and wound healing, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness in these areas. The lack of sufficient evidence calls for cautious consideration of its use for specific purposes.

Drugs that interact with Pau D'arco