# Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lapacho
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** South American
**Also Known As:** Tabebuia impetiginosa, Pau d'Arco, Ipe Roxo, Pink Trumpet Tree, Red Lapacho, Tajy, Taheebo, Brazilian Walnut

## Overview

Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is a South American tree bark containing beta-lapachone and other naphthoquinones that demonstrate [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and anticancer activity in laboratory studies. The primary bioactive compounds work by generating [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and interfering with cellular [energy production](/ingredients/condition/energy).

## Health Benefits

• [Antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity demonstrated in vitro against parasites like T. cruzi (complete inhibition at 0.8-5.0 µg/mL beta-lapachone) - preliminary evidence only
• Potential anticancer properties shown in vitro against human tumor cell lines (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa, HepG2) with GI50 values of 76-110 µg/mL - no human studies available
• Antimalarial effects observed in preclinical models with 74% oxygen uptake inhibition in Plasmodium at 100 mg/L - animal studies only
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties suggested by traditional use patterns - no clinical trials identified
• Wound healing applications in traditional medicine - evidence limited to historical use

## Mechanism of Action

Beta-lapachone and other naphthoquinones in lapacho generate [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through redox cycling, causing oxidative stress in target cells. These compounds also interfere with [mitochondrial function](/ingredients/condition/energy) and DNA synthesis by inhibiting topoisomerase enzymes. The [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects occur through disruption of parasite cellular respiration and membrane integrity.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence is limited to in vitro laboratory studies with no published human clinical trials. Beta-lapachone showed complete inhibition of T. cruzi parasites at concentrations of 0.8-5.0 µg/mL in cell culture studies. Anticancer activity was demonstrated against human tumor cell lines (MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa, HepG2) with GI50 values ranging from 76-110 µg/mL. These preliminary findings require validation through animal studies and human clinical trials before therapeutic applications can be established.

## Nutritional Profile

Lapacho (Tabebuia impetiginosa) is consumed primarily as a bark tea (pau d'arco) rather than a food, so it lacks a conventional macronutrient profile (negligible protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calories per serving). Its significance lies entirely in its bioactive phytochemical composition. **Key bioactive compounds:** • **Naphthoquinones** – the most pharmacologically relevant class: **beta-lapachone** (3,4-dihydro-2,2-dimethyl-2H-naphtho[1,2-b]pyran-5,6-dione) typically present at ~2–3% of dry inner bark weight; **lapachol** (2-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1,4-naphthoquinone) at ~1–2% of dry bark; **dehydro-alpha-lapachone** in trace-to-minor amounts. • **Furanonaphthoquinones** – including alpha-lapachone and related derivatives at lower concentrations (~0.1–0.5% dry weight). • **Iridoids** – including catalposide and related compounds contributing to [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity. • **Benzoic acid derivatives** – such as vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid. • **Flavonoids** – quercetin and kaempferol glycosides detected in minor quantities (~0.05–0.3% dry weight). • **Cyclopentene dialdehydes** – trace amounts identified in bark extracts. • **Minerals (per typical bark infusion, ~10 g bark/L):** calcium (~15–30 mg/L), iron (~1–3 mg/L), magnesium (~5–12 mg/L), potassium (~20–50 mg/L), manganese (~0.5–2 mg/L), zinc (trace), selenium (trace). These values are approximate as bark mineral content varies significantly with soil conditions and harvest location. • **Fiber:** Bark material is high in insoluble fiber (cellulose, lignin ~40–55% dry weight), but this is typically discarded after brewing; negligible fiber enters the tea infusion. **Bioavailability notes:** Beta-lapachone has limited oral bioavailability (~20–25% in animal models) due to poor aqueous solubility (~0.038 mg/mL at pH 7.4) and rapid hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) via NQO1 (NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1)-dependent pathways. Lapachol shows somewhat better absorption but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. Hot water extraction (traditional decoction method, simmered 15–20 minutes) extracts approximately 10–30% of total naphthoquinones from bark. Concurrent intake with dietary fats may modestly improve absorption of lipophilic naphthoquinones. The mineral content in tea infusions has generally low bioavailability due to potential chelation by tannins present in the bark.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges in humans are available. Preclinical studies used concentrations of 100 mg/L for antimalarial effects or 0.8-5.0 µg/mL beta-lapachone for antiparasitic activity. Traditional preparation involves bark decoction as tea. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Lapacho may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and dizziness at high doses based on traditional use reports. The naphthoquinone compounds could potentially interact with anticoagulant medications due to vitamin K antagonism. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through clinical studies. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the available research. Evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro and animal studies, with methanol extracts showing cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines and beta-lapachone demonstrating antiparasitic activity.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In South American traditional medicine, particularly among indigenous groups in Brazil and Argentina, lapacho inner bark has been used for centuries as a tea for infections, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), wounds, and as a general tonic. Scientific interest began in the 19th century, with lapachol first isolated in 1882.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, Vitamin C, Turmeric, Cat's claw, Resveratrol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in lapacho bark?

Beta-lapachone is the primary bioactive naphthoquinone compound in lapacho bark responsible for its antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Other naphthoquinones like lapachol also contribute to the bark's biological activity through similar oxidative mechanisms.

### How effective is lapacho against parasites?

Laboratory studies show beta-lapachone from lapacho completely inhibited T. cruzi parasites at concentrations of 0.8-5.0 µg/mL in cell culture. However, these are only preliminary in vitro results that have not been tested in human parasitic infections.

### Can lapacho help with cancer treatment?

In vitro studies demonstrated anticancer activity against human tumor cell lines with GI50 values of 76-110 µg/mL, but no human clinical trials exist. Lapacho should not be used as a cancer treatment without medical supervision and proven therapies.

### What are the side effects of lapacho supplements?

Reported side effects include gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and dizziness, particularly at higher doses. The safety profile in humans is not well-established due to lack of clinical trials.

### How much lapacho should I take daily?

No standardized dosage has been established through clinical research since human studies are lacking. Traditional preparations vary widely, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended before starting supplementation.

### Does lapacho interact with antimalarial or antiparasitic medications?

Lapacho has demonstrated antimalarial and antiparasitic activity in preclinical studies, which raises the potential for interactions with prescription medications used to treat these conditions. If you are taking antimalarial drugs (such as chloroquine or artemisinin derivatives) or antiparasitic medications (such as ivermectin or albendazole), consult your healthcare provider before adding lapacho supplements to avoid potential overlapping effects or reduced efficacy. Clinical interaction data is limited, so medical supervision is particularly important when combining lapacho with these drug classes.

### What is the difference between lapacho bark tea and lapacho extract supplements?

Lapacho bark tea involves steeping dried bark in hot water, which extracts some active compounds including beta-lapachone but typically results in lower and more variable bioavailability. Lapacho extract supplements are concentrated formulations that may provide more consistent dosing of active compounds, though absorption still depends on the extraction method (water-based, alcohol-based, or standardized extracts) and individual digestive factors. Standardized extracts allow for more precise dosing in clinical research, whereas tea preparations offer a traditional whole-plant approach with potentially broader compound profiles.

### Is lapacho safe to use long-term, and what populations should avoid it?

Long-term safety data for lapacho in humans is limited; most evidence comes from short-term preclinical studies rather than extended clinical trials. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid lapacho due to insufficient safety data, and children should use it only under professional guidance due to the lack of pediatric studies. Individuals with bleeding disorders, those scheduled for surgery, or people with sensitive gastrointestinal systems should consult a healthcare provider before use, as lapacho's antimicrobial properties and potential bioactive effects warrant medical supervision in these populations.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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