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Nutritional Science 3 min read

Lapacho (Pau d'Arco): Medicinal Properties of Bark, Bioactive Naphthoquinones, and Safe Clinical Use

Katarzyna Mazur
Katarzyna Mazur ✓
Diets Premium Expert • 23.10.2026
✓
Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian: This article has been peer-reviewed for adherence to IŻŻ, WHO, and PTGiP clinical nutritional standards.
Diets Premium Expert Katarzyna Mazur min read 3 min Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian 23.10.2026
Lapacho (Pau d'Arco): Medicinal Properties of Bark, Bioactive Naphthoquinones, and Safe Clinical Use

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Key Takeaways

Lapacho (also known as Pau d'Arco, Tabebuia impetiginosa or Handroanthus impetiginosus) is a deciduous tree indigenous to the rainforests of Central and South America. Its inner bark (phloem) has served for centuries as a cornerstone of traditional ethnomedicine across Amazonian and Andean populations. Modern phytochemistry has elucidated unique naphthoquinones within lapacho bark—principally lapachol and beta-lapachone—which demonstrate potent antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities. This article explores the biochemical profile of this botanical, its pharmacodynamic mechanisms, optimal decoction protocols, and critical toxicological precautions.

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Lapacho

Lapcho is a tree that produces large flowers, naturally occurring in the aforementioned Latin America, mainly in tropical forests. It is also cultivated in southern Florida. It can reach up to 150 feet in height and 6 feet in width. The most useful part of the plant turns out to be the bark, the inner part of which is used to make steam, popularly called the Inca herbs. In addition to its characteristics affecting humans, it is mainly used as an ornamental plant, decorating the streets of many cities, including Argentina.

The properties of lapacho

Among the health properties of lapacho are mainly its bacterial, fungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory functions. It also reduces the likelihood of cancer, kills parasites as well as leukaemia cells. It relieves pain, but also dissolves blood, which makes it useful in asthma and constipation. In addition, it increases immunity and even gently cleanses. However, it is used in stomach problems (i.e. stomach, not stomach) or skin diseases, and even when allergic to water.

The roots of lapacho

In addition to the above mentioned properties, lapacho's bark stimulates macrophages, or cells of the immune system. In addition, it appears to be effective in candidates of the digestive system because it destroys fungi. Similarly in the case of bacteria, it is therefore also used in the fight against, for example, influenza. According to scientific research, this raw material also affects the measles virus.

Tea of lapacho

Tea, or steam from the outer part of the bark of the tree..Ink tea: 0.5 liters of water 2 tablespoons of Lapacho tree bark Boil the water and then add the bark.. Cook the whole for 5 minutes on a small fire.. After that, leave the steam under cover for 15 minutes.. The finished tea is brown in color and has a bitter taste with a grassy nut.. You can drink it every day, but you should limit it to a maximum of 8 cups a day.. The tea contains caffeine.

Tags

#Medicinal Plant Applications #Botanical Applications #Bioactive Compounds #Traditional Medicine #Natural Compounds #Latin American #Traditional #American #Tropical
Katarzyna Mazur

Katarzyna Mazur

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Diets Premium Expert

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