Aristolochia
Aristolochia

Background

Aristolochia is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground and the root are used to make medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, aristolochia is sometimes used by mouth to prevent seizures, increase sexual desire, boost the immune system, and start menstruation, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
When taken by mouth: Aristolochia is UNSAFE. It contains aristolochic acid, which is toxic to the kidneys and causes cancer. Using aristolochia can cause kidney damage leading to the need for kidney dialysis and kidney transplant. It also greatly increases the risk of bladder cancer and other urinary tract cancers.

Health authorities around the world have taken action to protect the public against aristolochia and aristolochic acid. Aristolochia is banned in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Belgium, and Japan. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seizes any product that it believes might contain aristolochic acid.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Aristolochia is UNSAFE for anyone to use, including pregnant and breast-feeding women. Aristolochia contains aristolochic acid, which is toxic to the kidneys and causes cancer. Don't use it.

Kidney disease: Aristolochia might bring on early kidney failure in people with kidney disease.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
  • Absence of menstrual periods (amenorrhea).
  • Achy joints (rheumatism).
  • Arthritis.
  • Boosting the body's defense system (immune system).
  • Excessive crying in infants (colic).
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
  • Gallbladder pain.
  • Gout.
  • Increasing response to sexual stimuli in healthy people.
  • Obesity.
  • Seizures.
  • Wounds.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of aristolochia for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of aristolochia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for aristolochia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Medications that can harm the kidneys (Nephrotoxic Drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Aristolochia damages the kidneys. Some medications can also damage the kidneys. Taking aristolochia with other medications that can harm the kidneys can increase kidney damage.
Some of these medications that can harm the kidneys 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.Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

There isn't enough information to know how aristolochia works.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 08/03/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 12/08/2014 21:13:10. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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