Lapachol is a
natural
Nature is an inherent character or constitution, particularly of the ecosphere or the universe as a whole. In this general sense nature refers to the laws, elements and phenomena of the physical world, including life. Although humans are part ...
phenolic compound isolated from the bark of the lapacho tree.
[Record, Samuel J.. "Lapachol" pages 17-19. In: ''Tropical Woods'' (1925).] This tree is
known botanically as ''
Handroanthus impetiginosus'', but was formerly known by various other
botanical name
A botanical name is a formal scientific name conforming to the ''International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants'' (ICN) and, if it concerns a plant cultigen, the additional cultivar or cultivar group, Group epithets must conform t ...
s such as ''Tabebuia avellanedae''.
Lapachol is also found in other species of ''Handroanthus''.
Lapachol is usually encountered as a yellow, skin-irritating powder from wood. Chemically, it is a derivative of
vitamin K
Vitamin K is a family of structurally similar, fat-soluble vitamers found in foods and marketed as dietary supplements. The human body requires vitamin K for post-translational modification, post-synthesis modification of certain proteins ...
.
[Louis F.Fieser. ''The Scientific Method'' pages 163-191. Reinhold Publishing Corporation, New York, 1964]
Once studied as a possible treatment for some types of cancer, the levels of lapachol required for cancer treatment are considered too toxic for use as an in vivo chemotherapy treatment.
In 2024, A clinical trial published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology determined that lower concentrations of lapachol were safe and efficacious in Facial Redness Reduction.
See also
§Hooker-Oxidation§
References
{{Reflist
1,4-Naphthoquinones
Hydroxynaphthoquinones
Plant toxins
Terpeno-phenolic compounds