Aristolochia contorta

Aristolochia contorta, commonly known as creeping aristolochia, is a perennial climbing herb native to East Asia. Historically utilized in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, modern science warns of its significant nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity due to aristolochic acids, strictly limiting its contemporary medicinal application and safety.

  • Scientific name: Aristolochia contorta
  • Family: Aristolochiaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Piperales and the family Aristolochiaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Aristolochia, and its specific species name, Aristolochia contorta.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Piperales WCVP
Family Aristolochiaceae WCVP
Genus Aristolochia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Aristolochia contorta, is referred to by various common names across different languages and regions. In Korean, it is called 쥐방울덩굴, while in Chinese, it is known as 北马兜铃. In Azerbaijani, the name used is Sucaqlıq zəravəndi, and in Vietnamese, it is referred to as Rễ gió. Additionally, it is identified in Persian as آریستلچیا کنترتا.
Language Common Name Source
ko 쥐방울덩굴 Wikidata
zh 北马兜铃 Wikidata
az Sucaqlıq zəravəndi Wikidata
vi Rễ gió Wikidata
fa آریستلچیا کنترتا Wikidata
ru Кирказон скрученный Wikidata
zh-cn 北马兜铃 Wikidata
zh-tw 北馬兜鈴 Wikidata
ja マルバウマノスズクサ Wikidata
zh-hans 北马兜铃 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution across several key regions in East Asia. In the Russian Far East, it can be found growing within the Khabarovsk and Primorye territories. Its presence extends significantly into China, where it inhabits the region of Inner Mongolia. Additionally, the species is documented throughout the Manchuria area of China. Finally, its range reaches as far as China North-Central, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse environments.

Region Area Source
Russian Far East Khabarovsk WCVP
Russian Far East Primorye WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Indo-China Vietnam WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Aristolochia contorta, utilizes its specialized plant parts for various biological functions, most notably its extensive system of roots. The roots of this species play a crucial role in anchoring the plant firmly within the soil and facilitating the absorption of essential water and nutrients necessary for its growth. In the context of traditional herbalism, these roots have historically been studied for their unique chemical compositions, though it is important to note that they contain aristolochic acids which pose significant health risks.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
roots 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Aristolochia contorta has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include AA, aristolochic acids, (R)-norcoclaurine, (S)-norcoclaurine, Aristolochic acid II.

Total chemicals
14
Scientific sources
16

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
AA 2 ★☆☆☆☆
aristolochic acids 2 ★☆☆☆☆
(R)-norcoclaurine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
(S)-norcoclaurine 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Aristolochic acid II 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aristolactam N-(6'-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aristolochic acid A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
aristolochic acid-I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
compound 4 1 ★☆☆☆☆
compound 5 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Aristolochia contorta has 1 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Nephrotoxic.

Total activities
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Nephrotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆