Pau d'Arco
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 92 participants, researched for Antimicrobial & Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory & Immune.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antimicrobial & Antifungal
ModerateAnti-inflammatory & Immune
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antimicrobial & Antifungal
To evaluate Pau d'Arco (lapachol) on schistosomiasis infection
Study Type
Randomised, controlled clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate Pau d'Arco (lapachol) on schistosomiasis infection
Dose
250 mg/day lapachol
Participants
33 patients with schistosomiasis
Duration
30 days
Results
Some anti-parasitic activity observed. However, gastrointestinal side effects common at higher doses. Anti-parasitic effects noted but dose-limiting toxicity requires careful use.
How They Measured It
Parasitological examination, symptom scores, liver function
To assess the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Pau d'Arco compounds
Study Type
In vitro study (antimicrobial)
Purpose
To assess the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Pau d'Arco compounds
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
In vitro pathogen cultures
Duration
Incubation period
Results
Lapachol and beta-lapachone demonstrated strong antimicrobial activity against Candida species and gram-positive bacteria. MIC values in clinically relevant range.
How They Measured It
MIC against multiple pathogens including Candida, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus
To examine anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Tabebuia extracts
Study Type
In vitro and animal study
Purpose
To examine anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Tabebuia extracts
Dose
Various concentrations
Participants
Cell cultures and animal models
Duration
Various
Results
Strong NF-kB inhibition and COX-2 suppression demonstrated. Anti-inflammatory activity comparable to reference compounds. Translational potential to human inflammatory conditions.
How They Measured It
NF-kB inhibition, COX-2 activity, inflammatory cytokines
Anti-inflammatory & Immune
To evaluate Pau d'Arco extract on immune markers and anti-inflammatory effects
Study Type
Randomised, controlled pilot
Purpose
To evaluate Pau d'Arco extract on immune markers and anti-inflammatory effects
Dose
600 mg/day Pau d'Arco bark extract
Participants
28 healthy adults
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Trends toward improved NK cell activity and reduced CRP. IL-6 reduced significantly (p=0.04). Immune modulation observed. Formal RCT needed to confirm findings.
How They Measured It
NK cell activity, CRP, IL-6, lymphocyte counts
To document clinical outcomes of Pau d'Arco use in patients with candidiasis
Study Type
Case series with pre-post assessment
Purpose
To document clinical outcomes of Pau d'Arco use in patients with candidiasis
Dose
900 mg/day Pau d'Arco tea equivalent
Participants
31 patients with recurrent oral or vaginal candidiasis
Duration
4 weeks
Results
Significant symptomatic improvement in 74% of patients. Candida culture clearance in 45% after 4 weeks. Antifungal effects observed in clinical setting.
How They Measured It
Candida culture results, symptom scores, quality of life
To review evidence for Tabebuia species (Pau d'Arco) in human health
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review evidence for Tabebuia species (Pau d'Arco) in human health
Dose
Various
Participants
Systematic review
Duration
Various
Results
Preclinical evidence for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumour properties is robust. Human clinical evidence is limited. Lapachol at high doses has toxicity concerns. Traditional use widely documented.
How They Measured It
Systematic review of available evidence
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Pau d'Arco research
There are currently 6 peer-reviewed studies on Pau d'Arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa), involving 92 total participants. Research covers Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Immune function and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Pau d'Arco has been researched for: Antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory, Immune function, Antifungal. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 6 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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