Pau d'arco and cancer
I understand that some herbs can be very effective against cancer, especially one called Pau d’arco, Can you tell me more about this herb and where I can get it?
I was first introduced to this native of the rainforest as an anti-candida agent but in North America, it is widely accepted as having potent anti-cancer properties, especially against leukemia.
The active ingredient that has triggered most of the research is a phytochemical called lapachol which is found in the bark and when, for example, you make Pau d’arco tea, you brew up a dark-coloured powder that looks (and tastes) like wood chippings.
The Phytochemical Database at the US Department of Agriculture has now documented Pau d’arco as an anti-inflammatory, anti-abscess, anti-carcinogenic, anti-viral, anti-malarial, anti-septic and anti-tumour agent but besides lapachol, this herb contains at least another 20 active ingredients all of which will also play a role.
You are right to be concerned about where you buy this herb from. In one chemical analysis of a dozen commercially-available brands, only one product was shown to contain trace amounts of lapachol.
One theory is that since, in its purest form, the phytochemical only makes up between 2% and 7% of the whole herb, this active constituent is easily lost in processing and transportation. Another, equally plausible theory, is that what is being sold really is wood chippings because even mahogany shavings taken from Brazilian saw mills have been bagged up and sold as Pau d’arco.
Once you are confident of your source, you need to remember that to extract the active ingredients and to benefit fully from this herb, you need to boil the wood/bark for at least 8-10 minutes before straining and drinking. And it is very much an acquired taste!
*Pau d’arco is a very potent herb and should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Friends of the Herbs (01579-321599) sell a reputable, pesticide-free product which costs £4.50 for 250g.