Aristolochic acid
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aristolochic acid | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Other names | Aristolochic acid I
Aristolochic acid II
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| 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 |
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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.
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.
[edit] 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
