From the Guidelines
Aristolochic acid is primarily found in plants of the Aristolochiaceae family, including species of Aristolochia and Asarum, which have been used in traditional medicine but are highly nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. The plants containing aristolochic acid include:
- Aristolochia clematitis (birthwort)
- Aristolochia fangchi
- Aristolochia manshuriensis
- Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia snakeroot)
- Various species of wild ginger (Asarum)
These plants have been historically used in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Chinese herbal medicine, where they are known as "Mu Tong" or "Fang Ji" 1. However, it is crucial to avoid consuming any herbs containing aristolochic acid due to its severe health risks, including aristolochic acid nephropathy, which causes progressive kidney failure, and a significant increase in the risk of urinary tract cancers 1. Many countries have banned the use of aristolochic acid-containing herbs in medicinal preparations due to these risks. If using herbal remedies, it is essential to verify their botanical identity and safety with qualified healthcare providers to prevent potential harm.
From the Research
Herbs and Plants Containing Aristolochic Acid
The following herbs and plants have been found to contain aristolochic acid:
- Aristolochia species, including Aristolochia fangchi 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Asarum species 5, 6
- Mu Tong 2
- Fang Ji 2
- Tian Xian Teng 2
- Xi Xin 2
Chinese Traditional Herbal Preparations
Some Chinese traditional herbal preparations have been found to be contaminated with aristolochic acid, including:
- Slimming regimens made of Chinese herbal preparations 4
- Certain commercial dietary supplements, teas, and phytomedicines used as slimming regimens 4
- Raw herbs and manufactured herbal products purchased from herbal wholesalers and traditional Chinese medicinal herb retailers 3
Toxic Compounds
Aristolochic acids are a group of toxins that can cause nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity, and have been associated with severe nephropathy and urothelial cancer in humans and animals 2, 3, 4, 5. The toxic entities in Aristolochia species are aristolochic acid-I (AA-I) and aristolochic acid-II (AA-II) 2, 3.