# Tabebuia impetiginosa

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/tabebuia-impetiginosa
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Amazonian
**Also Known As:** Handroanthus impetiginosus, Pau d'Arco, Lapacho, Ipe Roxo, Pink Trumpet Tree, Red Lapacho, Taheebo

## Overview

Tabebuia impetiginosa is an Amazonian tree bark containing lapachol and β-lapachone as primary bioactive compounds. These naphthoquinones demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β.

## Health Benefits

• Anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in animal models at 100-400 mg/kg, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema (preliminary evidence)
• [Immune modulation](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) shown in vitro through suppression of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8) in human PBMCs at 32-100 µg/mL (preliminary evidence)
• Potential anticancer activity with isolated compounds showing tumor cell growth inhibition (GI50 0.91-1.21 μg/mL) in MCF-7, NCI-H460, HeLa, and HepG2 cell lines (preliminary evidence)
• Antinociceptive (pain-reducing) properties observed in writhing models at 100-400 mg/kg (preliminary animal evidence)
• Traditional use for gastrointestinal issues, infections, and wound healing (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

The naphthoquinones lapachol and β-lapachone in Tabebuia impetiginosa inhibit nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. This suppression reduces production of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The compounds also modulate cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways involved in inflammatory mediator synthesis.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Tabebuia impetiginosa consists primarily of preliminary animal and in vitro studies. Animal models showed [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects at 100-400 mg/kg doses, reducing carrageenan-induced paw edema. In vitro studies using human PBMCs demonstrated cytokine suppression at concentrations of 32-100 µg/mL. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.

## Nutritional Profile

Tabebuia impetiginosa (Pau d'Arco) bark is not a significant source of conventional macronutrients or micronutrients in typical supplemental doses; its nutritional relevance lies almost entirely in its bioactive phytochemical content. Primary bioactive compounds include naphthoquinones, most notably lapachol (concentrations of 2–7% dry weight in inner bark, varying by region and extraction method) and beta-lapachone (present in smaller quantities, typically <1% dry weight). Additional naphthoquinones identified include dehydro-alpha-lapachone and xyloidone. The bark also contains furanonaphthoquinones, anthraquinones (including tabebuin), and iridoids. Flavonoids are present including quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, contributing secondary [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant). Tannins and catechins are present at moderate levels (~3–8% dry weight), contributing astringency and additional antioxidant capacity. Coumarin derivatives have been detected in small quantities. Mineral content in the bark is minimal; trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium are detectable but not nutritionally meaningful at standard supplement doses (typically 500–1000 mg bark extract). Fiber is present structurally in the bark matrix but not bioavailable in extract or tea form. Protein content is negligible (<1% in extracted forms). Bioavailability note: lapachol exhibits moderate oral bioavailability in animal models but undergoes significant first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); beta-lapachone has poor aqueous solubility, limiting absorption without formulation aids such as cyclodextrin complexes or lipid-based delivery systems. Aqueous tea preparations (decoctions) extract primarily water-soluble flavonoids and tannins, while ethanolic or standardized extracts yield higher naphthoquinone concentrations.

## Dosage & Preparation

Human clinical data is limited to a related species (T. avellanedae) at 1050 mg/day powder for 8 weeks. Animal studies used 100-400 mg/kg orally of aqueous or ethanol extracts. No standardization protocols have been established for lapachol or β-lapachone content. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Safety data for Tabebuia impetiginosa supplementation is limited due to lack of human clinical trials. The naphthoquinone compounds may interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on blood clotting. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established. High doses may cause gastrointestinal upset based on traditional use reports, though specific adverse effects remain undocumented in controlled studies.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence for Tabebuia impetiginosa is extremely limited, with most research confined to in vitro and animal studies. The only human study identified used a related species (T. avellanedae) at 1050 mg/day for 8 weeks in 20 women with dysmenorrhea, showing tolerability but no efficacy data (PMC10032363). Isolated compounds like β-lapachone have reached phase 2 cancer trials, but these do not represent whole-plant extract studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

In South American traditional medicine, particularly Brazilian folk systems, Tabebuia impetiginosa inner bark (known as Lapacho or Ipe Roxo) has been used for centuries as a tea or decoction to treat [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), infections, cancer, wounds, and gastrointestinal issues. Historical use dates back to indigenous practices in the Amazon and Andean regions, later popularized globally as 'Red Lapacho' for [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and anticancer purposes.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Cat's Claw, Astragalus, Reishi mushroom, Green tea extract

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Tabebuia impetiginosa?

The primary active compounds are naphthoquinones, specifically lapachol and β-lapachone. These compounds are concentrated in the inner bark and are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects observed in preliminary studies.

### What dosage of Tabebuia impetiginosa showed effects in studies?

Animal studies used doses of 100-400 mg/kg body weight to demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects. In vitro studies showed cytokine suppression at concentrations of 32-100 µg/mL, though human equivalent doses have not been established.

### Does Tabebuia impetiginosa interact with blood thinners?

Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications are possible due to the naphthoquinone content, which may affect blood clotting mechanisms. Individuals taking warfarin or other blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before use.

### Is Tabebuia impetiginosa the same as pau d'arco?

Yes, Tabebuia impetiginosa is one of several species commonly referred to as pau d'arco or lapacho. The inner bark of this specific species contains higher concentrations of bioactive naphthoquinones compared to other Tabebuia varieties.

### How long does it take for Tabebuia impetiginosa to work?

No human studies have established onset times for Tabebuia impetiginosa effects. Animal studies showed anti-inflammatory responses within hours of administration, but human timeframes remain unknown due to lack of clinical trials.

### What does the research show about Tabebuia impetiginosa's anti-inflammatory effects?

Animal studies have demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity at doses of 100–400 mg/kg, with significant reduction in carrageenan-induced paw edema, indicating potential for inflammatory conditions. However, these results are preliminary and from animal models, so human clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and establish safe, effective dosing in people. The active compounds appear to work through multiple pathways rather than a single mechanism.

### Is Tabebuia impetiginosa safe for long-term use?

Long-term safety data for Tabebuia impetiginosa in humans is limited, and most evidence comes from traditional use and short-term laboratory studies rather than controlled clinical trials. Because it may affect immune function and interact with certain medications, extended use should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid this ingredient due to insufficient safety data in these populations.

### How does Tabebuia impetiginosa compare to other traditional immune-support herbs?

Unlike some other herbal immune modulators, Tabebuia impetiginosa has demonstrated suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8) in human immune cell studies in vitro, suggesting a more specific anti-inflammatory immune action. However, direct comparative studies with other traditional herbs are lacking, making it difficult to determine relative efficacy. Its potential anticancer activity sets it apart from many common immune herbs, though this research remains in preliminary stages.

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