Pau D'Arco: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is a tree that is native to the Amazon. Its bark and wood have been used for many conditions, but with little evidence.

The pau d'arco tree is used by native peoples in the regions where it grows for making hunting bows. The name "pau d'arco" is Portuguese for "bow tree." Pau d'arco bark and wood might prevent cancer cells from growing and slow tumor growth. But the doses needed to cause these effects seem to be unsafe.

People use pau d'arco for cancer, diabetes, stomach ulcers, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using pau d'arco can also be unsafe, especially at higher doses.

Pau d'arco is sometimes called quebracho. Don't confuse this with a different plant called Quebracho Blanco. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Pau D'Arco overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Pau d'arco is possibly unsafe. In high doses, a chemical found in pau d'arco can cause severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and internal bleeding. The safety of pau d'arco in typical doses is not known.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pau d'arco is safe to use or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Pau d'arco is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth. There isn't enough reliable information to know if pau d'arco is safe when applied to the skin during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid any use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if pau d'arco is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Pau d'arco might slow blood clotting and could increase the chance of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using it at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Pau D'Arco
Pau d'arco might slow blood clotting. Taking pau d'arco along with medications that also slow clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of pau d'arco might be. Some products containing pau d'arco, including capsules, tablets, extracts, powders, and teas, have been found to be mislabeled and adulterated. Be sure to consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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