Aristolochic Acid

Aristolochic acids are compounds found in Aristolochia and related plants. They cause progressive kidney scarring (“Chinese herb nephropathy”, now called aristolochic acid nephropathy) and urothelial cancer. Toxic Aristolochia species have been swapped in for similar-named herbs such as Mu Tong and Fang ji. In 1999 two UK women taking unlicensed Chinese Herbal Medicine for eczema developed end-stage kidney failure, and over 40% of UK Mu Tong and Fang ji samples tested contained aristolochic acids (European Medicines Agency HMPC 2005). Most EU states now restrict these herbs.

Connections

• Chinese Herbal Medicine — contaminant/substituted herb in eczema remedies, source: EMA HMPC 2005