Aristolochic
Aristolochic acids are a family of acids found naturally in the plants
Aristolochia and Asarum, which grow throughout the United States and
worldwide.
How are aristolochic acids used?
Plants containing aristolochic acids are often used as herbal medicines
or in other botanical products in the United States and abroad.
Aristolochic acids may be found as a contaminant in herbal
products used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and diseases, such as
arthritis, gout, and inflammation.
How are people exposed to aristolochic acids?
Exposure may occur though the intentional or unknowing eating or
drinking of herbal or food products that contain aristolochic acids.In
2001, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advised consumers to
stop using any products that may contain aristolochic acids, after
seeing an increase in nephropathy, or kidney disease, among users;
however, products containing aristolochic acids can still be purchased
on the Internet and abroad.
What evidence is there that aristolochic acids cause cancer?
Human Studies
Studies in humans show high rates of cancers of the urinary bladder or
upper urinary tract, among individuals with kidney or renal disease who
consumed botanical products containing aristolochic acids.
Animal Studies
The findings in humans are supported by laboratory animal studies
showing oral exposure to aristolochic acids caused tumors in the
forestomach and urinary tracts of various animal species.
Mechanistic Studies
There is mechanistic data showing that aristolochic acids are the
agents in these products that are causing the cancer in humans and
animals.
How can I prevent exposure to this botanical?
Do not use botanical products that contain aristolochic acids. For a
full list, see the FDA website at
http://www.fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/Alerts/ucm095297.htm
Contact the manufacturer or distributor of a product, if you have any
questions about its content.
Where do I go for more information?
National Toxicology Program http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/roc12candidates
-NIH
