Beta-lapachone

PhytochemicalNaphthoquinone

What is it

Beta-lapachone is an ortho-naphthoquinone derived from the lapacho tree (Tabebuia avellanedae, also called pau d'arco). It has been investigated as an experimental anticancer agent.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cancer (investigational)

Limited Evidence

Early-phase clinical trials have explored beta-lapachone in NQO1-positive cancers with limited efficacy. The compound remains investigational.

How it works

Beta-lapachone induces a futile redox cycle in cells expressing high NQO1 (an enzyme overexpressed in many cancers), leading to oxidative damage and cell death. Several phase 1 and 2 clinical trials have explored beta-lapachone in cancer, with limited efficacy or significant toxicity (notably anemia).

Dosage

No safe supplement dose established. Clinical trial doses (as ARQ 761) used 60-490 mg infused intravenously every 2 weeks under research protocols.

When and how to take it

Not recommended for unsupervised use.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Pau d'arco extract

Traditional South American herbal use.

Contains beta-lapachone at variable concentrations; absorption poor

Isolated beta-lapachone (investigational)

Not a standard supplement form.

Studied IV in clinical trials due to poor oral absorption

Safety

Clinical trial toxicities include anemia, methemoglobinemia, fatigue, and infusion reactions. Oral bioavailability is poor. Supplement-grade products lack the quality control of pharmaceutical preparations.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, and in children. Anyone with cancer should discuss with their oncologist before any pau d'arco or beta-lapachone product.

Interactions

Likely interactions with chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants (via methemoglobinemia risk), and antioxidants (may counteract effects).

Frequently asked questions

Does beta-lapachone treat cancer?⌄

It is investigational. Early-phase trials have shown limited efficacy and notable toxicity. It is not a recommended self-administered cancer treatment.

Is pau d'arco the same as beta-lapachone?⌄

Pau d'arco contains beta-lapachone and related naphthoquinones at variable concentrations. Standardization is inconsistent across products.

References

Beta-lapachone on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Beta-lapachone (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.