# Pacari (Lafoensia glyptocarpa)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pacari
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Lafoensia glyptocarpa, Pacari tree, Brazilian Pacari, Cerrado Pacari, Dedaleiro, Mangava-brava

## Overview

Pacari (Lafoensia glyptocarpa) is an Amazonian medicinal plant whose bark and leaves are rich in ellagitannins and punicalagin-related polyphenols that drive its therapeutic effects. These bioactives promote wound healing primarily by stimulating [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), neoangiogenesis, and scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) at the cellular level.

## Health Benefits

• Promotes wound healing, enhancing [collagen production](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and neoangiogenesis in preclinical studies.
• Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, as seen in in vivo/in vitro models.
• Acts as a [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (ROS) scavenger, aiding in cellular protection.
• Modulates remodeling processes in wound healing, improving recovery phases.
• No adverse effects reported in rat studies, indicating potential safety for topical use.

## Mechanism of Action

Pacari's ellagitannins and phenolic acids inhibit pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) mediators, including NF-κB pathway activation and COX-derived prostanoids, reducing cytokine release such as TNF-α and IL-6 in inflamed tissues. Its polyphenolic compounds act as direct ROS scavengers by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, thereby protecting cellular membranes and DNA from oxidative damage. Additionally, these bioactives upregulate TGF-β1 signaling and VEGF expression, stimulating fibroblast collagen deposition and endothelial cell proliferation required for neoangiogenesis during wound remodeling.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Lafoensia glyptocarpa is limited to preclinical in vitro cell culture studies and in vivo rodent wound-healing models, with no published randomized controlled trials in humans identified to date. In animal excision wound models, topical preparations of Pacari extract have demonstrated accelerated wound closure rates and increased hydroxyproline content, an indirect marker of collagen deposition, compared to untreated controls. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects have been confirmed in carrageenan-induced paw edema models in rodents, showing statistically significant edema reduction. The overall evidence base is preliminary and promising but insufficient to establish clinical dosing recommendations or confirm efficacy in human populations.

## Nutritional Profile

Pacari (Lafoensia glyptocarpa) nutritional data is limited in the peer-reviewed literature, as research has focused predominantly on its bioactive phytochemical constituents rather than macronutrient composition. Known and characterized compounds include: Ellagitannins and ellagic acid (primary bioactive polyphenols, estimated 2–8% dry weight in bark/leaf extracts, responsible for [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and wound-healing activity); Gallic acid and its derivatives (quantified at approximately 0.5–3% dry weight in hydroalcoholic extracts); Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides (present at trace to moderate levels, <1% dry weight); Tannins (hydrolyzable type, estimated 5–15% dry weight in bark extracts, contributing to ROS-scavenging capacity); Pentacyclic triterpenes such as ursolic and oleanolic acid (detected in leaf fractions at <1% dry weight). Regarding conventional nutrients: crude fiber content is present but not precisely quantified in available literature; protein and lipid content are considered low based on analogous Lythraceae species. Mineral content has not been systematically characterized. Bioavailability notes: ellagic acid from ellagitannins undergoes gut microbial conversion to urolithins (A and B), which may enhance systemic [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antioxidant bioavailability; tannin-protein binding may reduce protein digestibility if consumed in food matrices. No standardized nutritional panel (USDA-style) currently exists for this species.

## Dosage & Preparation

There are no clinically studied dosage ranges in humans. A 10% leaf extract gel was used in preclinical rat studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

No formal human clinical safety trials for Lafoensia glyptocarpa have been published, making a complete adverse effect profile unavailable at this time. Given its high tannin content, oral consumption at elevated doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, or constipation, effects consistent with other ellagitannin-rich botanicals. Due to its demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and potential anticoagulant-like polyphenol activity, caution is advised when combining Pacari with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs such as warfarin or aspirin, as additive bleeding risk cannot be excluded. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid use due to an absence of safety data, and individuals with tannin sensitivities or chronic gastrointestinal conditions should consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Scientific Research

There are no human clinical trials or meta-analyses available for Pacari. Research is limited to animal models and in vitro studies, such as a rat study showing enhanced wound healing properties.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Brazilian folk medicine, Pacari has been traditionally used for wound healing, cutaneous mycoses, gastritis, ulcers, and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Its use is rooted in native practices from the Cerrado regions.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Ginger, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Green Tea

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Pacari (Lafoensia glyptocarpa) used for?

Pacari is an Amazonian plant traditionally and experimentally used to support wound healing, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from oxidative stress. Preclinical studies show its ellagitannin-rich extracts enhance collagen production, promote new blood vessel formation, and neutralize reactive oxygen species in tissue repair models.

### What are the active compounds in Lafoensia glyptocarpa?

The primary bioactive constituents of Lafoensia glyptocarpa are ellagitannins, including punicalagin-related polyphenols, alongside flavonoids and phenolic acids concentrated in the plant's bark and leaves. These compounds collectively account for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties observed in laboratory and animal studies.

### Does Pacari have anti-inflammatory properties?

Yes, Pacari extracts have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in both in vitro cell models and in vivo rodent models, including the carrageenan-induced paw edema assay. The mechanism involves suppression of NF-κB signaling and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, though human clinical confirmation is still lacking.

### How does Pacari promote wound healing?

Pacari promotes wound healing through a multi-target mechanism: its polyphenols stimulate TGF-β1-mediated fibroblast activity to increase collagen deposition, upregulate VEGF expression to drive neoangiogenesis, and scavenge ROS that would otherwise impair tissue regeneration. In rodent excision wound models, these effects translated to measurably faster wound closure and higher hydroxyproline content compared to control groups.

### Are there any known drug interactions with Pacari supplements?

No human pharmacokinetic or drug interaction studies have been conducted for Lafoensia glyptocarpa specifically. However, given its high polyphenol content with potential antiplatelet and antioxidant enzyme-modulating activity, theoretical interactions exist with anticoagulants like warfarin, antiplatelet agents such as aspirin or clopidogrel, and possibly immunosuppressants. Until formal interaction data exist, use alongside these medications should only occur under medical supervision.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Pacari (Lafoensia glyptocarpa) supplement?

Pacari is typically available as a standardized extract or dried leaf powder, with standardized extracts generally offering more consistent active compound concentrations. The bioavailability of Lafoensia glyptocarpa compounds may be enhanced through extraction methods that concentrate phenolic and antioxidant constituents. Research has primarily focused on extract formulations in preclinical models, suggesting these forms may provide more reliable dosing for wound healing and antioxidant benefits.

### Is Pacari safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There is insufficient clinical evidence regarding the safety of Pacari supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and it should be avoided in these populations without explicit guidance from a healthcare provider. While animal studies have shown no adverse effects, the lack of human pregnancy trials means safety cannot be confirmed. Pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using Lafoensia glyptocarpa supplements.

### How strong is the clinical evidence supporting Pacari's wound healing benefits in humans?

Current evidence for Pacari's wound healing effects is primarily derived from preclinical studies in cell cultures and animal models, demonstrating enhanced collagen production and neoangiogenesis. Human clinical trials are lacking, which limits the ability to confirm these benefits translate to therapeutic efficacy in people. While the preclinical data is promising, larger randomized controlled trials in human populations are needed to establish definitive clinical evidence for wound healing applications.

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