Pau d'Arco

Amazonian tree bark with potent antimicrobial and immune-supporting properties, traditionally used for fungal infections and immune enhancement

Scientific nameTabebuia impetiginosa FormulaC15H14O3 (lapachol) Molecular weight242.27 g/mol CAS84-79-7

55 absorption score

6 safety / 10

30 USD per month

5 documented interactions

Check it against something

Evidence level C

Pau d'Arco with:

75 out of 100

Works better together Take together — same timing window amplifies the synergy.

Check it against your whole stack →

What it does

mechanism and evidence for each claim

Antifungal and candida support

Natural antifungal activity supporting control of candida and yeast overgrowth

Lapachol and naphthoquinones disrupt fungal cell membranes and metabolism Evidence C-grade 4-12 weeks

Antimicrobial and infection resistance

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and parasites

Active compounds interfere with pathogen cellular processes and replication Evidence C-grade 2-8 weeks

Immune system enhancement

Supports immune system function and natural defense mechanisms

Immunomodulating compounds enhance immune cell activity and response Evidence C-grade 4-12 weeks

Anti-inflammatory support

Reduces inflammation and supports healthy inflammatory response

Anti-inflammatory compounds reduce inflammatory mediators and tissue damage Evidence C-grade 6-16 weeks

Antioxidant protection

Provides antioxidant support protecting against cellular damage

Quinones and other compounds neutralize free radicals and protect cells Evidence C-grade 4-12 weeks

Others take these for the same thing

Same goal, different mechanism — check any of them against this one

Probiotics for Autoimmune Disease Support Gut health & immune modulation 10-100 billion CFU daily B 60% Vitamin D3 Bone health & immune support 1000-2000 IU A 85% Zinc Picolinate Superior immune & healing support 15-30 mg A 95% L-Lysine Immune support & collagen synthesis 1-3g A 90% Oregano Oil Powerful respiratory antimicrobial 100-300mg B 85% Oregano Oil for Antimicrobial Protection Antimicrobial & pathogen defense 1-3 drops diluted daily B 75%

Every pair we checked

12 combinations scored by the engine

Pau d'Arco + Caffeine No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Creatine Monohydrate No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Calcium Carbonate No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Whey Protein No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Lactase No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Bovine Collagen No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + DHA No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Turmeric No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Fish Oil (EPA/DHA) No documented interaction either way No known interaction 70

Pau d'Arco + Oregano Oil Enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal activity Works better together 75

Pau d'Arco + Lactobacillus acidophilus Balanced microbial ecosystem and improved gut health Works better together 75

Pau d'Arco + Vitamin D3 Enhanced immune support and antioxidant protection Works better together 75

Dosage

With meals

Daily500-3000mg

Antifungal support1000-3000mg daily

Antimicrobial support1000-2000mg daily

Immune enhancement500-1500mg daily

Anti inflammatory1000-2000mg daily

Before you take it

VeganYes

When to expect it

First Effects2-8 weeks for antimicrobial and antifungal benefits

Peak Benefits8-16 weeks for sustained immune enhancement and infection control

Deficiency DevelopmentNot applicable - herbal supplement

Toxicity OnsetRare, mainly with very high doses

How to measure it

$100-200

MarkerComplete blood count, liver function, bleeding time if relevant

OptimalNormal blood counts, stable liver function

Deficient belowNot applicable for herbal supplement

FrequencyEvery 6-12 months, more frequently if on blood thinning medications

What people actually reported to the FDA

CAERS, 3 reports naming it as the suspect

Most reported effects

Diarrhoea 2

Flatulence 1

Abortion spontaneous 1

Vaginal haemorrhage 1

Dyspnoea 1

Named as the suspect 3 reports of 5 that mention it at all

Serious outcome 50% hospitalisation, emergency room or worse

Other Outcome1

Other Serious or Important Medical Event1

Visited a Health Care Provider1

Reports are voluntary and unverified — they record what someone experienced while taking something, not what the compound caused. Counts skew towards products people take a lot of, and a serious outcome is more likely to be reported than a mild one, so these are not rates. How we filter them →

What actually reaches you

The label counts the carrier, your body does not

Absorption Moderate 55 of 100 · middle of the range for this compound

Delivered daily 962.5 mg

Cost per 100 mg delivered $0.10 comparative — uses the absorption score, not a measured percentage

Works better with

3 documented

Oregano Oil

Enhanced antimicrobial and antifungal activity

Synergistic antimicrobial effects for comprehensive pathogen control · level C

Probiotics

Balanced microbial ecosystem and improved gut health

Pau d'arco controls pathogens while probiotics restore beneficial bacteria · level C

Vitamin C

Enhanced immune support and antioxidant protection

Both support immune function and provide antioxidant benefits · level C

What not to take with Pau d'Arco

2 documented

Blood Thinning Supplements

May increase bleeding risk

Additive anticoagulant effects · moderate significance

Immunosuppressive Substances

May counteract immunosuppressive effects

Immune-enhancing effects oppose immunosuppression · mild significance

Medication interactions

Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining

anticoagulant-medications Moderate

May enhance anticoagulant effects

What to do: Monitor bleeding parameters closely

immunosuppressive-medications Minor

May reduce effectiveness of immunosuppressive drugs

What to do: Monitor immune function

diabetes-medications Minor

May affect blood sugar levels

What to do: Monitor blood glucose

Available forms

bioavailability compared

Pau d'Arco Inner Bark Extract (Standardized Lapachol) 55

Pau d'Arco Inner Bark Extract (Standardized Lapachol): Antifungal activity, Antimicrobial support, Traditional use, Immune enhancement

Food sources

before you supplement

Pau d'arco inner bark (dried) Traditional herbal preparation · 50

Pau d'arco tea Moderate lapachol extraction · 45

Standardized extracts Concentrated lapachol and naphthoquinones · 55

Not found in common foods Amazonian rainforest tree bark · N/A

Too little

deficiency signs

Not applicable (herbal supplement, not essential nutrient):
General symptoms addressed by pau d'arco:
Chronic fungal infections and candida overgrowth
Frequent infections and poor immune function
Chronic inflammation and slow healing
Poor microbial balance and digestive issues
High oxidative stress and cellular damage

Too much

toxicity signs

Generally safe with some considerations:
Increased bleeding risk with blood thinners
Digestive upset with high doses
Nausea and stomach discomfort
Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Who benefits most

candida-yeast-overgrowth

Natural antifungal support for candida and yeast infection control

1000-3000mg daily (or 3-6g dried bark)

chronic-infections-parasites

Antimicrobial support for chronic infections and parasite resistance

1000-2000mg daily

immune-enhancement-support

General immune system enhancement and infection resistance

500-1500mg daily

inflammatory-conditions

Anti-inflammatory support for chronic inflammatory conditions

1000-2000mg daily

antioxidant-protection

Antioxidant support for cellular protection and health

500-1000mg daily

Where to buy it

compare forms first

Look for Pau d'Arco at 500-3000mg per serving. The form that matters here is Pau d'Arco Inner Bark Extract (Standardized Lapachol).

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How it works

Lapachol and naphthoquinones disrupt fungal cell membrane integrity and function
Antimicrobial compounds interfere with pathogen DNA synthesis and cellular processes
Immunomodulating effects enhance immune cell activity and pathogen recognition
Anti-inflammatory compounds reduce inflammatory cytokines and tissue damage
Antioxidant quinones neutralize free radicals and protect cellular structures
Supports healthy microbial balance by selectively targeting pathogenic organisms

Key findings

what the evidence supports

Traditional use evidence for antifungal and antimicrobial effects
Limited clinical research but promising laboratory studies
Good safety profile with proper dosing and quality control
Important considerations for blood thinning and pregnancy

Sources: NIH Examine.com · data reviewed 2026-08-02

Compiled by Denis, who maintains this database and holds no medical qualification — every figure here is sourced or derived, never asserted. How we calculate it →

Common questions

What are the benefits of Pau d'Arco?

Documented effects: Antifungal and candida support; Antimicrobial and infection resistance; Immune system enhancement; Anti-inflammatory support. Natural antifungal activity supporting control of candida and yeast overgrowth

How much Pau d'Arco should you take per day?

The common daily range is 500-3000mg. By goal — antifungal support: 1000-3000mg daily; antimicrobial support: 1000-2000mg daily; immune enhancement: 500-1500mg daily; anti inflammatory: 1000-2000mg daily.

When is the best time to take Pau d'Arco?

With meals. First effects are typically reported within 2-8 weeks for antimicrobial and antifungal benefits.

What are the side effects of Pau d'Arco?

At excessive doses: Generally safe with some considerations:, Increased bleeding risk with blood thinners, Digestive upset with high doses, Nausea and stomach discomfort, Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Safety rating at normal doses is 6 out of 10.

What should you not take with Pau d'Arco?

Separate it from Blood Thinning Supplements, Immunosuppressive Substances by two to four hours. May increase bleeding risk

Does Pau d'Arco interact with medications?

Documented interactions with anticoagulant-medications, immunosuppressive-medications, diabetes-medications. Discuss these with a pharmacist before combining.

How do you know if you need Pau d'Arco?

The marker is Complete blood count, liver function, bleeding time if relevant, optimal range Normal blood counts, stable liver function. Common deficiency signs: Not applicable (herbal supplement, not essential nutrient):, General symptoms addressed by pau d'arco:, Chronic fungal infections and candida overgrowth, Frequent infections and poor immune function.

Taken for

59 Immunity

Vitamin D3 · Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) · Comprehensive Immune Support Complex