Among the natural remedies gaining the most interest in modern scientific research for immune and gut health, Lapacho (also known as Pau d’Arco) holds a prominent place. This extract is not only a valuable ally for the body’s defenses but also offers significant support for the balance of the intestinal microbiota. In this article, we will analyze the properties of this plant, from its historical roots to the most recent molecular evidence.
Botany of Lapacho
Lapacho identifies a majestic tree from the Amazon rainforest, botanically classified with several synonyms that often cause confusion: Handroanthus impetiginosus, Tabebuia avellanedae, or Tecoma curialis. This imposing tree can reach 30 meters in height and is easily recognizable by its spectacular spring blooms in pink and purple trumpet-shaped flowers, which appear after the leaves fall during the winter dry season. Used since the time of the Inca civilization to treat infections, arthritis, and gastric ulcers, Lapacho is widespread across a vast range from Mexico to Argentina. The part of greatest health interest is the inner bark (the phloem), from which a purified decoction known as Taheebo is traditionally made.
Chemical Characterization: An Exceptional Phytocomplex
Growing scientific interest in Lapacho, intensifying since the late 1960s in Brazil, has led to the identification of an extremely varied phytocomplex. Although focus was initially on naphthoquinones, particularly lapachol and β-lapachone, modern research has revealed that the plant’s efficacy lies in the synergy of several chemical classes, including anthraquinones, furanonaphthoquinones, flavonoids, phenolic glycosides, iridoids, and cyclopentene dialdehydes.
Immune System: A “Training” and Modulating Action
Scientific publications indicate that aqueous extracts of Lapacho are not limited to generic stimulation but perform true immune modulation. At a molecular level, the aqueous extract induces an increase in the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines without altering pro-inflammatory levels. This means that Lapacho helps the body respond to external threats without triggering excessive or harmful responses. Specifically, it has been observed to promote the expression of the CTLA4 molecule on Treg cells (T-regulatory), which are responsible for modulating the immune response. Their function is to ensure that the defensive response remains balanced and under control.
Gut Health and Microbiota: The Action of Lapacho
One of the most fascinating aspects concerns Lapacho’s interaction with the gut microbiota. Indeed, the extract has demonstrated a potent inhibitory capacity against critical bacterial species such as several Clostridia (including C. perfringens and C. paraputrificum), often associated with dysbiosis and inflammation. It is also effective against various Candida species, including non-albicans strains frequently resistant to common treatments. Surprisingly, studies have not found any growth inhibition of bacteria generally considered beneficial. Lactic acid-producing strains essential for well-being, such as Bifidobacterium adolescentis, B. bifidum, B. infantis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and L. casei, remain unaffected. Incorporating Lapacho into gut health formulations is therefore essential for maintaining a state of eubiosis.
Concrete Support Against Intestinal Inflammation
The efficacy of Lapacho extends to the integrity of intestinal tissues. In an experimental model of colitis, administration of the extract led to a clear reduction in symptoms, with:
- Less weight loss and improvement in disease activity indices.
- Rebalancing of lymphocytes with a decrease in Th1 and Th17 (pro-inflammatory) cells in favor of Th2 (anti-inflammatory) cells in the mesenteric lymph nodes.
- Reduced histological damage: colonic tissue sections showed significantly less severe signs of inflammation and ulceration.
Where can you find Lapacho?
Clovedin is the patented ingredient by TGD to support microbiota balance in cases of Candida overgrowth. The combination with Lapacho fiber allows for a powdered product with all the potential of synergistic phytocomplexes.
Read More
- Zhang J, Hunto ST, Yang Y, Lee J, Cho JY. Tabebuia impetiginosa: A Comprehensive Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Immunopharmacological Properties. Molecules. 2020 Sep 18;25(18):4294. doi: 10.3390/molecules25184294. PMID: 32962180; PMCID: PMC7571111.
- Park BS, Kim JR, Lee SE, Kim KS, Takeoka GR, Ahn YJ, Kim JH. Selective growth-inhibiting effects of compounds identified in Tabebuia impetiginosa inner bark on human intestinal bacteria. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Feb 23;53(4):1152-7. doi: 10.1021/jf0486038. PMID: 15713033.
- Park HJ, Lee SW, Kwon DJ, Heo SI, Park SH, Kim SY, Hong S. Oral administration of taheebo (Tabebuia avellanedae Lorentz ex Griseb.) water extract prevents DSS-induced colitis in mice by up-regulating type II T helper immune responses. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2017 Sep 6;17(1):448. doi: 10.1186/s12906-017-1952-4. PMID: 28877696; PMCID: PMC5585948.
