Functional Food Ingredients – Pau D Arco, Wildcrafted Pau D Arco

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Pau D' Arco

Pau D'Arco is a huge canopy tree native to the Amazon rainforest and other tropical parts of South and Latin America. It is also commonly called lapacho. T. impetiginosa is known for its attractive purple flowers and often is called “purple lapacho.” It has been the preferred species employed in herbal medicine. It is often referred to by its other botanical name, Tabebuia avellanedae; both refer to the same tree. Other pau d'arco species produce yellow ( T. serratifolia and T. chrysantha ), pink ( T. heptaphylla ), or white ( T. bahamensis ) flowers. Pau D'Arco has a long and well-documented history of use by the indigenous peoples of South America . The name Pau D'Arco locally means “bow-stick,” reflecting the use of pau d'arco wood for centuries by several indigenous tribes of the rainforest to make their hunting bows.

Doctors and healing specialists throughout the world now recommend Pau d'Arco tea for the treatment of many diseases, reflecting a long history in herbal medicine around the world. It has been traditionally used by indigenous cultures for many ailments:

• it is considered to be antibacterial, antifungal, astringent, anti-inflammatory, and laxative;

• it is used to treat ulcers, syphilis, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal problems, candida and yeast infections, cancer, diabetes, prostatitis, constipation, allergies, cancer, leukemia, diabetes, candida, rheumatism, arthritis, dysentery, stomatitis, and boils.

Pharmacological Information

The chemical compounds and active ingredients of pau d'arco have been well documented, with much research focused on the long reported use treating various types of cancers. The presence of quinoids in pau d'arco is reported have shown the most documented pharmacological activity and are believed to be central to the plants efficacy. Studies in the 1970's largely focused on the ability of one specific quinoid, lapachol, to produce therapeutic effects against cancer. Focus on this and other single phytochemicals is due to the pursuit of patents. Isolated phytochemicals have shown a variety of strong effects on various ailments with highly effective treatments against cancers in laboratory animal testing. These chemicals are present in whole plant teas and decoctions as well, but whole plants are not patentable.

In studies, pau d'arco has demonstrated action against a number of disease-causing microorganisms, which supports its widespread use in herbal medicine. Its constituents have shown strong activity against bacteria, fungi, and yeast like Candida, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Helicobacter, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and dysentery. In addition to its isolated chemicals, a hot water extract of pau d'arco demonstrated antibacterial actions against Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori which is a cause of stomach ulcers. It has also shown activity against various viruses such as influenza, Herpes I and II, and polio. It's antiparasitic properties have been shown against malaria, schistosoma, and trypanosoma.

Toxicological Information

Adverse Reactions: None reported.

Precautions: As a precaution, do not take during pregnancy or breast feeding.

Warning: Interrupt use if any adverse reactions are noticed. Consult a doctor.

Conditions for storage: Keep in a fresh, dry place. Protect from light.

ELF provides Pau D'Arco as a powder & tea cut.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is this information meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.