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Aristolochic acid

Aristolochic acid

Other names	Aristolochic acid I Aristinic acid Aristolochia yellow Aristolochic acid A Aristolochin Aristolochine Descresept Isoaristolochic acid Tardolyt TR 1736 Aristolochic acid II Aristolochic acid B
Identifiers
CAS number	313-67-7
Properties
Molecular formula	C₁₇H₁₁NO₇
Molar mass	341.27684 g/mol
Density	? g/cm³
Melting point	260 - 265 °C
Boiling point	°C
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references

Aristolochic acid is a rodent carcinogen found in the Aristolochia and Asarum species, both in the Aristolochiaceae family of plants. Aristolochic acid is composed of a ~1:1 mixture of two forms, aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II.

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In addition to its carcinogenicity, aristolochic acid is also highly nephrotoxic and may be a causative agent in Balkan nephropathy. However, despite these well-documented dangers, aristolochic acid is still sometimes used as a herbal remedy for weight loss.

References

FDA Warns Consumers to Discontinue Use of Botanical Products that Contain Aristolochic acid. April 11 2001. Website-http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/%20~dms/addsbot.html

FDA Concerned About Botanical Products, Including Dietary Supplements, Containing Aristolochic Acid. April 2001. Website-http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/ds-bot.html

Health Canada advising not to use products labelled to contain Aristolochia. August 2001. Website - http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/2001/2001_91_e.html

Categories: Aromatic compounds | Carcinogens | Nitro compounds