Pau d'arco

Interesting traditional bark, but its clinical evidence remains light and stronger claims around infections or cancer are not well supported.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Pau d'arco contains naphthoquinones such as lapachol, with in vitro antimicrobial activity. Human clinical evidence is sparse and safety questions remain at higher doses.

• Provides antimicrobial quinone compounds
• Used traditionally during infections
• Has some anti-inflammatory potential in preclinical work

Usually used as tea or tincture for short-term traditional use.

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Possible increased bleeding risk

Can increase bleeding risk and may cause nausea or dizziness. It should not be used in pregnancy.

Traditional use is long, but modern randomized evidence is thinner than the reputation suggests.

• Immunity10