Herb & supplement monograph

Aristolochia Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Aristolochia interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Aristolochia is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Aristolochia is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Aristolochia Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, Aristolochia drug interactions carry a real, moderate level of concern for most people, mainly because this plant can harm the kidneys on its own and may add to kidney stress caused by certain medications. None of the listed interactions are rated major, but every single one is rated moderate, and all trace back to the same kidney concern.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combinations that deserve the most attention involve medications that can harm the kidneys, sometimes called nephrotoxic drugs. Aristolochia has caused kidney disease and kidney failure in many reported human cases, so pairing it with a medicine that also stresses the kidneys could, in theory, make matters worse. That added effect has not yet been reported in people, but given how clearly Aristolochia itself damages kidneys, keeping a close watch on kidney function makes sense with these combinations.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications looks alarming, but it reflects one shared concern rather than hundreds of separate problems. The additive interaction itself is theoretical and has not been documented in humans. What is well documented is Aristolochia's own harm to the kidneys, which is the reason so many medications appear on the list.

Check your medications against Aristolochia

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Aristolochia interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Aristolochia

355 medications have a known interaction with Aristolochia, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AcetaminophenChildren's Tylenol, Children's Tylenol Meltaways, Tylenol, Tylenol Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn› Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine› Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, ButalbitalAxocet, Bancap, Bucet, Butex Forte, Esgic CF, Orbivan CF +5 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CaffeineEsgic, Esgic Plus, Fiogesic, Fioricet, Repan, Tecnal +1 more› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Caffeine, CodeineEsgic with Codeine, Fioricet w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, CodeineBancap w/ Codeine› Acetaminophen, Butalbital, Codeine PhosphatePhrenilin #3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, CodeineGesic C15, Gesic C30, Gesic C8, Lenoltec 1, Lenoltec 2, Lenoltec 3 +1 more› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Codeine, SalicylamideCodalan No.1, Codalan No.2, Codalan No.3› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, DihydrocodeineDHC Plus, Panlor DC, Panlor SS› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, IsomethepteneMigralam› Acetaminophen, Caffeine, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength Menstrual› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HbrVicks Formula 44M Cough, Cold & Flu Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, DextromethorphanCoricidin II Extra Strength Cold and Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan HydrobromideCoricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus› Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more› Acetaminophen, ChlorzoxazoneAcetazone Forte, Extra Strength Tylenol Aches & Strains, Parafon Forte› Acetaminophen, Chlorzoxazone, CodeineAcetazone Forte C8, Parafon Forte C8›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Aristolochia combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Aristolochia affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Aristolochia is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Aristolochia interacts with
Nephrotoxic Drugs
Nephrotoxic Drugs

Aristolochia is nephrotoxic. There are numerous cases of nephropathy and renal failure associated with aristolochia use. Theoretically, combining aristolochia with potentially nephrotoxic drugs might have additive adverse effects on kidney function. However, this interaction has not yet been reported in humans. Close monitoring of renal function in patients taking aristolochia with nephrotoxic drugs may be warranted.
Some potentially nephrotoxic drugs include cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); aminoglycosides including amikacin (Amikin), gentamicin (Garamycin, Gentak, others), and tobramycin (Nebcin, others); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin, others), indomethacin (Indocin), naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn), piroxicam (Feldene); and numerous others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Aristolochia: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Aristolochia contains aristolochic acid, a potent toxin linked to severe kidney damage and cancer, and it is not safe to take. The FDA and other health authorities have warned against any product containing aristolochic acid. Despite its history in traditional medicine, no proven benefit outweighs these serious dangers.

Aristolochia
Scientific name
Aristolochia spp.
Family
Aristolochiaceae
Part used
Root, stem, and aerial parts (in traditional remedies)
Common forms
Dried herb, powders, capsules, teas, and traditional tinctures
People commonly use it for
  • Promoting menstruation
  • Aphrodisiac
  • Immune stimulation
  • Snakebite remedies
  • Pain and inflammation

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Aristolochia contains aristolochic acid, which can cause kidney failure and cancer; it should not be used.

PregnancyUnsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingUnsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Aristolochia is a large group of plants with more than 500 species, many known for their unusual, curved, tube-shaped flowers. They grow in warm regions of the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Common names include birthwort, pelican flower, Guan Mu Tong, and Guang Fang Ji.

While many species are grown simply as ornamental garden plants, some have a long history in traditional medicine systems, including traditional Chinese medicine. People have used them to try to promote menstruation, boost the immune system, act as an aphrodisiac, and treat snakebites.

Importantly, Aristolochia is now widely considered unsafe. It contains a chemical called aristolochic acid, which is highly toxic to the kidneys and is a known cause of cancer. For this reason, it is banned or restricted in many countries.

Uses & effectiveness

People have traditionally used Aristolochia for many things, including bringing on menstruation, increasing sexual desire, stimulating the immune system, easing pain, and treating snakebites. The name "birthwort" reflects its old use during childbirth.

There is no reliable evidence that Aristolochia safely treats any condition. The traditional uses are not supported by good-quality human studies, and any possible benefit is far outweighed by the proven harm from aristolochic acid. Because of its serious toxicity, no responsible health authority recommends using it.

How it works

The main concern with Aristolochia is a group of compounds called aristolochic acids. In laboratory and animal studies, these compounds bind to DNA and can cause permanent mutations, which helps explain why they are linked to cancer.

Aristolochic acid is also directly toxic to the kidneys. It can damage the tiny filtering structures in the kidney, leading to a serious, often irreversible form of kidney disease. Some traditional preparations were thought to affect inflammation or the immune system, but these ideas come mostly from early lab research and do not make the plant safe to use.

Safety & precautions

Aristolochia is not considered safe to take in any form. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies have warned consumers that products containing aristolochic acid are dangerous. Use has been linked to severe kidney failure, the need for dialysis or kidney transplant, and urinary tract cancers.

A particular danger is that Aristolochia is sometimes mixed up with, or substituted for, safer-sounding herbs in supplements or traditional formulas. Products may be mislabeled, so even items that do not list Aristolochia could contain it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid completely. The plant is toxic, can be used to provoke menstruation or miscarriage, and is a known carcinogen. People with any kidney problems are at especially high risk and should never use it. If you think you have taken a product containing aristolochic acid, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away.

Side effects

The most serious harms from Aristolochia are kidney damage and cancer. The kidney injury, sometimes called aristolochic acid nephropathy, can develop quietly and may not cause symptoms until significant damage has occurred. It can lead to permanent kidney failure.

Aristolochic acid is also linked to cancers of the urinary tract, including the bladder and the ureters. Other possible effects include nausea, stomach upset, and general signs of poisoning. Because the damage can be severe and lasting, there is no safe amount.

Aristolochia: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Aristolochia from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, use of aristolochia can cause end-stage renal failure and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. These adverse effects are well documented. A case of hepatotoxicity associated with aristolochia use has also been reported.

  1. Arlt VM, Stiborova M, Schmeiser HH. Aristolochic acid as a probable human cancer hazard in herbal remedies: a review. Mutagenesis 2002;17:265-77.
  2. News Potpourri. Southern Medical Journal 2000;93(11):1129-1130.
  3. Shaohua Z, Ananda S, Ruxia Y, Liang R, Xiaorui C, Liang L. Fatal renal failure due to the Chinese herb "GuanMu Tong" (Aristolochia manshuriensis): autopsy findings and review of literature. Forensic Sci Int. 2010;199(1-3):e5-7.
  4. Tazi I, Nafil H, Mahmal L. Fatal renal failure due to self administration of Aristolochia Longa after treatment with chemotherapy. Arab J Nephrol Transplant. 2012 Jan;5(1):54; discussion 55.
  5. Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD). Systematic review: hepatotoxic events associated with herbal medicinal products. 2004;
Reports by condition
Peritoneal dialysis Renal

Orally, use of aristolochia can cause end-stage renal failure and urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. There have been more than 100 cases of nephropathy, referred to as "Chinese herb nephropathy", characterized by interstitial fibrosis and associated with tea believed to be adulterated with aristolochia. This was originally reported in Belgium with accidental substitution of aristolochia for another herb. Of these cases, 43 progressed to end stage renal failure requiring dialysis or transplantation and 18 developed urothelial carcinomas of the bladder, ureter, and/or renal pelvis. Many cases of nephropathy and end stage renal failure associated with aristolochia use have been reported worldwide. Aristolochic acid is the constituent in aristolochia that causes renal damage. The risk of developing urothelial carcinoma seems to be related to cumulative intake of the herb.

  1. Arlt VM, Stiborova M, Schmeiser HH. Aristolochic acid as a probable human cancer hazard in herbal remedies: a review. Mutagenesis 2002;17:265-77.
  2. van Ypersele de Strihou C, Vanherweghem JL. The tragic paradigm of Chinese herbs nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1995;10:157-60.
  3. Nortier JL, Martinez MC, Schmeiser HH, et al. Urothelial carcinoma associated with the use of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi). N Engl J Med 2000;342:1686-92.
  4. Cronin AJ, Maidment G, Cook T, et al Aristolochic acid as a causative factor in a case of Chinese herbal nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2002;17:524-5.
  5. Chang CH, Wang YM, Yang AH, Chiang SS. Rapidly progressive interstitial renal fibrosis associated with Chinese herbal medications. Am J Nephrol 2001;21:441-8.
  6. Lord GM, Cook T, Arlt VM, et al. Urothelial malignant disease and Chinese herbal nephropathy. Lancet 2001;358:1515-6.
  7. Lord GM, Tagore R, Cook T, et al. Nephropathy caused by Chinese herbs in the UK. Lancet 1999;354:481-2.
  8. Nortier JL, Vanherweghem JL. Renal interstitial fibrosis and urothelial carcinoma associated with the use of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi). Toxicology 2002;181-182:577-80.
  9. Martinez M. C., Nortier J., Vereerstraeten P., Vanherweghem J. L. Progression rate of Chinese herb nephropathy: impact of Aristolochia fangchi ingested dose. Nephrol.Dial.Transplant. 2002;17(3):408-12.
  10. Nortier, J. [Renal interstitial fibrosis and urotelial carcinomas after ingestion of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi)]. Nephrologie 2002;23(1):37-38.
  11. Ioset, J. R., Raoelison, G. E., and Hostettmann, K. Detection of aristolochic acid in Chinese phytomedicines and dietary supplements used as slimming regimens. Food Chem Toxicol 2003;41(1):29-36.
  12. Yu Y., Zheng F. L., Li H. [Chinese herbs-induced renal failure with Fanconi syndrome: a report of 6 cases]. Zhonghua Nei Ke.Za Zhi. 2003;42:110-12.
  13. Chan, T. Y., Tam, H. P., Lai, C. K., and Chan, A. Y. A multidisciplinary approach to the toxicologic problems associated with the use of herbal medicines. Ther Drug Monit. 2005;27(1):53-57.
  14. Lo, S. H., Wong, K. S., Arlt, V. M., Phillips, D. H., Lai, C. K., Poon, W. T., Chan, C. K., Mo, K. L., Chan, K. W., and Chan, A. Detection of Herba Aristolochia Mollissemae in a patient with unexplained nephropathy. Am.J Kidney Dis. 2005;45(2):407-410.
  15. Hranjec, T., Kovac, A., Kos, J., Mao, W., Chen, J. J., Grollman, A. P., and Jelakovic, B. Endemic nephropathy: the case for chronic poisoning by aristolochia. Croat.Med J 2005;46(1):116-125.
  16. Laing, C., Hamour, S., Sheaff, M., Miller, R., and Woolfson, R. Chinese herbal uropathy and nephropathy. Lancet 7-22-2006;368(9532):338.
  17. Grollman, A. P., Shibutani, S., Moriya, M., Miller, F., Wu, L., Moll, U., Suzuki, N., Fernandes, A., Rosenquist, T., Medverec, Z., Jakovina, K., Brdar, B., Slade, N., Turesky, R. J., Goodenough, A. K., Rieger, R., Vukelic, M., and Jelakovic, B. Aristoloc
  18. Violon, C. Belgian (Chinese herb) nephropathy: why? J Pharm Belg. 1997;52(1):7-27.
  19. Liebman, B. Herbs and cancer. Nutrition Action Health Letter 2000;27(7):11-13.
  20. Ashraf, H. Chinese herbal remedy linked to kidney failure. Lancet 8-7-1999;354(9177):494.
  21. Aristolochia and renal failure. WHO Drug Information 1999;13(3):174.
  22. News Potpourri. Southern Medical Journal 2000;93(11):1129-1130.
  23. Shaohua Z, Ananda S, Ruxia Y, Liang R, Xiaorui C, Liang L. Fatal renal failure due to the Chinese herb "GuanMu Tong" (Aristolochia manshuriensis): autopsy findings and review of literature. Forensic Sci Int. 2010;199(1-3):e5-7.
  24. Tazi I, Nafil H, Mahmal L. Fatal renal failure due to self administration of Aristolochia Longa after treatment with chemotherapy. Arab J Nephrol Transplant. 2012 Jan;5(1):54; discussion 55.
  25. Schaneberg, B. T. and Khan, I. A. Analysis of products suspected of containing Aristolochia or Asarum species. J.Ethnopharmacol. 2004;94(2-3):245-249.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no safe or recommended dose of Aristolochia. Because it contains a toxic, cancer-causing compound, it should not be taken at all.

If you come across a supplement, tea, or traditional remedy that lists Aristolochia (or related names like birthwort, Mu Tong, or Fang Ji) as an ingredient, do not use it. Speak with a pharmacist or doctor before taking any herbal product, especially imported traditional medicines, to make sure it does not contain aristolochic acid.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Aristolochia & Pregnancy

Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Lewis CJ, Alpert S. Letter to health care professionals -- FDA concerned about botanical products, including dietary supplements, containing aristolochic acid. Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, Dietary Supplements. Center for Food Safety and Appli

Aristolochia & Breastfeeding

Unsafe

When used orally; avoid using.

  1. Lewis CJ, Alpert S. Letter to health care professionals -- FDA concerned about botanical products, including dietary supplements, containing aristolochic acid. Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, Dietary Supplements. Center for Food Safety and Appli
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 27 references that drive our Aristolochia monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. van Ypersele de Strihou C, Vanherweghem JL. The tragic paradigm of Chinese herbs nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 1995;10:157-60. DOI
  2. Nortier JL, Martinez MC, Schmeiser HH, et al. Urothelial carcinoma associated with the use of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi). N Engl J Med 2000;342:1686-92.
  3. Lewis CJ, Alpert S. Letter to health care professionals -- FDA concerned about botanical products, including dietary supplements, containing aristolochic acid. Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, Dietary Supplements. Center for Food Safety and Appli
  4. Arlt VM, Stiborova M, Schmeiser HH. Aristolochic acid as a probable human cancer hazard in herbal remedies: a review. Mutagenesis 2002;17:265-77. PubMed
  5. Cronin AJ, Maidment G, Cook T, et al Aristolochic acid as a causative factor in a case of Chinese herbal nephropathy. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2002;17:524-5. PubMed
  6. Chang CH, Wang YM, Yang AH, Chiang SS. Rapidly progressive interstitial renal fibrosis associated with Chinese herbal medications. Am J Nephrol 2001;21:441-8. PubMed
  7. Lord GM, Cook T, Arlt VM, et al. Urothelial malignant disease and Chinese herbal nephropathy. Lancet 2001;358:1515-6. PubMed
  8. Lord GM, Tagore R, Cook T, et al. Nephropathy caused by Chinese herbs in the UK. Lancet 1999;354:481-2. PubMed
  9. Nortier JL, Vanherweghem JL. Renal interstitial fibrosis and urothelial carcinoma associated with the use of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi). Toxicology 2002;181-182:577-80. PubMed
  10. Martinez M. C., Nortier J., Vereerstraeten P., Vanherweghem J. L. Progression rate of Chinese herb nephropathy: impact of Aristolochia fangchi ingested dose. Nephrol.Dial.Transplant. 2002;17(3):408-12. PubMed
  11. Nortier, J. [Renal interstitial fibrosis and urotelial carcinomas after ingestion of a Chinese herb (Aristolochia fangchi)]. Nephrologie 2002;23(1):37-38.
  12. Ioset, J. R., Raoelison, G. E., and Hostettmann, K. Detection of aristolochic acid in Chinese phytomedicines and dietary supplements used as slimming regimens. Food Chem Toxicol 2003;41(1):29-36. PubMed
  13. Yu Y., Zheng F. L., Li H. [Chinese herbs-induced renal failure with Fanconi syndrome: a report of 6 cases]. Zhonghua Nei Ke.Za Zhi. 2003;42:110-12.
  14. Schaneberg, B. T. and Khan, I. A. Analysis of products suspected of containing Aristolochia or Asarum species. J.Ethnopharmacol. 2004;94(2-3):245-249. PubMed
  15. Chan, T. Y., Tam, H. P., Lai, C. K., and Chan, A. Y. A multidisciplinary approach to the toxicologic problems associated with the use of herbal medicines. Ther Drug Monit. 2005;27(1):53-57. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Aristolochia: Common Questions

Does Aristolochia interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 355 medications with a known interaction with Aristolochia. Use the checker above to see how Aristolochia interacts with a specific drug.
How are Aristolochia interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Aristolochia with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Aristolochia interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Aristolochia used for?
Traditionally it has been used to promote menstruation, as an aphrodisiac, to stimulate the immune system, and to treat snakebites. However, none of these uses are proven, and the plant is now considered unsafe.
Is Aristolochia safe to take?
No. It contains aristolochic acid, which can cause severe, permanent kidney damage and is linked to cancer. Health authorities including the FDA warn against using any product that contains it.
Can I use Aristolochia during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. It is toxic, has been used to cause miscarriage, and is a known carcinogen, so it must be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How would I know if a product contains aristolochic acid?
It can be hard to tell, because products may be mislabeled or use other names. Check labels for terms like Aristolochia, birthwort, Mu Tong, or Fang Ji, and ask a pharmacist before using imported herbal products.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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