Pau d'arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa)

Tier 4 — risky / avoid · Traditional · Antimicrobial · Antifungal

The inner bark of a South American tree (Tabebuia/Handroanthus) containing naphthoquinones (lapachol, beta-lapachone) with documented in-vitro antifungal, antibacterial, and anticancer activity. Traditional use for candidiasis, skin infections, and various malignancies. Human clinical trials are limited, and high-dose lapachol caused anticoagulation and nausea in 1970s NCI oncology trials. Safety at typical supplemental doses is probably acceptable but monitoring is prudent. Use short-term only.

Dose: 500 mg bark extract 2–3 times daily for max 1–2 weeks