Aristolochia fangchi
Avoid Aristolochia fangchi
Dutchman's pipe
Aristalochia clematitis
Aristolochia fangchi
Guan Fang Chi
Aristolochia is a Chinese herb that contains over 500 different varieties. Aristolochia is known to contain the lethal toxin aristolochic acid. Aristolochia has been shown to be both a potent carcinogen and kidney toxin. The prevalence of urothelial carcinoma among patients with end-stage Chinese-herb nephropathy (caused by aristolochia species) is high. When combined with vasoconstrictive agents (such as Fenformin) this causes a rapid degeneration.
In 1993, a series of end-stage renal disease cases was reported from Belgium associated with a weight loss treatment, where Stephania tetrandra in a herbal preparation was suspected of being substituted with Aristolochia fangchi. More than 105 patients were identified with nephropathy following the ingestion of this preparation from the same clinic from 1990 to 1992. Many required renal transplantation or dialysis.
This is what appeared to have happened to weight loss clinics in Belgium. The first reports of interstitial fibrosis leading to rapidly progressing chronic renal failure (CRF) in young women undergoing slimming treatment appearing at the beginning of the 1990s in Belgium. These slimming pills erroneously contained powdered roots of plants - picked in China - belonging to the Aristolochia instead of from the Stephania tetranda family as had been previously ordered. In China roots are gathered and can easily become mixed up when sold to herbal pharmacies.
Study of Herbal Supplements
Aristolochic acid is carboxylic acid. Manufacturing procedures need to be reviewed to ensure that botanical products are free of aristolochic acids. Aristolochia is said to be even worse than tobacco smoke.
