Aristolochic acid contamination of herbal remedies
admin November 30th, 2007
The MHRA report on four Traditional Chinese Medicines that have been found to contain aristolochia acids (the active principle extracted from the herb Aristolochia). These acids are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, most clearly demostrated in Belgium when over 100 patients developed Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy following the use of a herbal slimming regime. An informative review of the dangers of aristolochic acid has been published in Drug Safety.1 The MHRA have already issued wanrings about the risks of aristolochic acid contamination in Drug Safety Update this month.
The four products are:
- Xiao Qin Long Wan
- Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan
- Bai Tou Weng Wan
- Xie Gan Wan
These products may be available in a variety of different packaging.
Bottom line: If you have been taking any of the above products stop taking them and immediately contact your doctor. There is no safe level of exposure to aristochic acid. Users of Traditional Chinese Medicines should be aware that the risk of contamination is a continuing issue in their safety.
1. Cosyns, JP. Aristolochic Acid and “Chinses Herbs Nephropahthy”: A review of the evidence to date. Drug Safety 2003; 26(1): 33-48