Aristolochia Interactions Overview

Aristolochia is a genus of plants that includes over 500 species, many of which are known for their tubular flowers. These plants are native to a wide range of regions, including tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Aristolochia species are most commonly cultivated for their ornamental value but also have a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine as an aphrodisiac, anticonvulsant, immune stimulant, to promote menstruation, and to treat snakebites. However, some Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acid, a toxic compound that can cause serious health problems when ingested. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the United States considers all products containing aristolochic acid to be unsafe.