Aristolochic acid is a plant toxin from the herb Aristolochia. It has been banned because of the frequency and severity of its toxic reactions. The complications are progressive, even after discontinuation of exposure.
Genus: Aristolochia
Toxins: aristolochic acids, aristolactams, other
Use: in Chinese herbal medicine used for weight loss and other claims
Toxicity:
(1) progressive nephropathy with vasculopathy and interstitial fibrosis leading to renal failure
(2) urothelial carcinogen
Patients with end-state renal disease may undergo prophylactic nephrectomy with removal of the urinary tract because of the risk of urothelial carcinoma (Nortier et al). A cumulative dose > 200 grams is associated with a high risk of urothelial neoplasia.
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