Aristolochia
OTHER NAME(S): Aristoloche Clématite, Aristoloche de Texas, Aristoloche des Vignes, Aristoloche de Virginie, Aristoloche Vulgaire, Birthwort, Guan Mu Tong, Guang Fang Ji, Long Birthwort, Pelican Flower, Poison de Terre, Pomerasse, Ratelaine, Rateline, Red River Snakeroot, Sangree Root, Sangrel, Sarrasine, Serpentaire, Serpentaire de la Rivière Rouge, Serpentaria, Snakeroot, Snakeweed, Texas Snakeroot, Virginia Serpentary, Virginia Snakeroot, Aristolochia auricularia, Aristolochia clematitis, Aristolochia fangchi, Aristolochia heterophylla, Aristolochia kwangsiensis, Aristolochia manshuriensis, Aristolochia moupinensis, Aristolochia reticulata, Aristolochia serpentaria, other Aristolochia species.r Family: Aristolochiaceae., Aristoloquia, Aristoloche
Overview
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.
There isn't enough information to know how aristolochia works.
There isn't enough information to know how aristolochia works.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- 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.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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.
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.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that can harm the kidneys (Nephrotoxic Drugs) interacts with AristolochiaAristolochia 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.
Dosing
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.
References
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