Aristolochia contorta
What's the taxonomical classification of Aristolochia contorta?
Aristolochia contorta belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is further categorized into the subclass Magnoliidae. Following its taxonomic lineage through the order Piperales, the plant is placed in the family Aristolochiaceae. Ultimately, it is identified within the genus Aristolochia, reaching its specific classification at the species level as Aristolochia contorta.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Aristolochia |
| Species | contorta |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Aristolochia contorta has opposite, cordate to ovate leaves that are typically five to twelve centimeters long and possess entire margins. The stems are climbing or trailing perennials that can reach significant lengths through their twining growth habit. Its flowers are tubular and asymmetrical, featuring a greenish-yellow perianth that transitions into a purplish or brownish hue. These unique blossoms are often enclosed within a specialized structure called a utricle to facilitate pollination by small flies. The plant also develops small, capsule-like fruits that contain numerous tiny seeds.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically encompassing countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Vietnam. It typically thrives in the humid, shaded environments of lowland rainforests and evergreen forests. Within these habitats, it often grows in moist soil near the forest floor where sunlight is filtered through the canopy. The species exhibits a scattered distribution across these maritime and mainland tropical zones rather than being concentrated in a single location. Localized populations are frequently found in areas with consistent high rainfall and warm temperatures.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant requires well-draining, humus-rich soil and a partially shaded environment with consistent moisture to thrive.
Because it is a perennial climber, it needs a sturdy support structure like a trellis to facilitate its spreading growth habit. You should provide regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely, especially during the warmer summer months. Applying organic mulch around the base helps maintain the steady moisture levels and soil temperature necessary for its development.
Once established, the vine will gradually extend its tendrils to cover available surfaces.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant Aristolochia contorta is used medicinally through its leaves, roots, flowers, and fruits, though its use is highly controversial due to toxicity. Historically, the herb itself was prepared in various decoctions to treat ailments such as fever, inflammation, and digestive issues. The roots were frequently employed in traditional medicine to address skin conditions and swellings. While the flowers and fruits were occasionally included in topical or systemic remedies, modern science warns against their use. These botanical components contain aristolochic acids, which are known to cause severe kidney damage and cancer.
According to a study published by "The Plant journal : for cell and molecular biology", the root, stem, leaf, and flower of Aristolochia contorta Bunge contain four 1-benzylisoquinoline alkaloids and five aporphine alkaloids. These aporphinine alkaloids are a large group of natural compounds with extensive pharmaceutical application prospects. Two CYP80 enzymes, AcCYP80G7 and AcCYP80Q8, were identified and characterized from the plant. AcCYP80G7 catalyzes the formation of hexacyclic aporphinine corytuberine, while AcCYP80Q8 catalyzes the formation of pentacyclic proaporphine glaziovine. Site-directed mutagenesis of AcCYP80Q8 revealed two crucial residues, E284 and Y106, for the catalytic reaction.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- flower
- fruit
- herb
- leaf
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, Aristolochia contorta, has been utilized historically within Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat various ailments such as inflammation, swelling, and respiratory issues. Practitioners often prepared the roots or stems to address conditions like rheumatism and skin infections through decoctions or topical applications. In some regional folk practices, it was also used to manage pain and promote blood circulation. Despite these long-standing uses, modern scientific research has identified aristolochic acid in the plant as a potent nephrotoxin and carcinogen. Consequently, its historical application has been largely replaced by safer alternatives due to the severe risk of kidney damage and cancer.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", twelve Chinese medicine were detected using UPLC. Aristolochic acid A was only found in 4 species of Aristolochia, which included Aristolochiae Radix, Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis, Herba Aristolochiae Mollissima, and Aristolochia Contorta Bunge. Out of the 12 total Chinese medicines tested, aristolochic acid A was not present in the other 8 species. Ten microorganisms were tested using the 4 Chinese medicine containing aristolochic acid A as raw material. The results showed that 1 microorganism can decrease the content of aristolochic acid A in all 4 of those Chinese medicine.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Aristolochia contorta?
This plant has antibacterial, insecticidal, and carcinogenicity-related activities, but it is primarily known for its severe nephrotoxicity. Research indicates that the plant exhibits significant antibacterial properties against certain pathogens and possesses insecticidal activity useful in pest control. However, the presence of aristolochic acids leads to profound carcinogenicity through the formation of DNA adducts. Most critically, the plant is highly nephrotoxic, meaning it can cause irreversible kidney damage in consumers. This nephrotoxicity often manifests as progressive renal failure due to the accumulation of toxic compounds.
According to a study published by "Journal of natural products", a new acylated glycoside isolated from the roots of Aristolochia contorta was characterized as aristolactam N-(6'-trans-p-coumaroyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside [2]. Aristolactam-N-beta-D-glucopyanoside [1] was also isolated from the same source. Compound 2 showed relatively significant antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. This activity was based on disc diffusion and dilution methods.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- antibacterial
- carcinogenicity
- insecticidal activity
- nephrotoxic
- nephrotoxicity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains the potent nitrogenous compounds aristolochic acids, specifically aristolochic acid A and aristolochic acid II, alongside various aristolactams including aristolactam W-Y and aristolactam X. These aristolactams are structurally complex alkaloids that contribute to the plant's unique chemical profile. While certain studies have investigated these substances for potential biological activities, they are most famously noted for their high toxicity. The presence of these specific molecules is a primary reason for the plant's association with severe health risks. Therefore, the chemical composition of Aristolochia contorta is defined by these specific medicinal and toxic compounds.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", aristolochic acid A was detected in four species of Aristolochia using UPLC. Among these, Aristolochia Contorta Bunge was one of the specific species identified as containing the compound. The research involved testing 10 microorganisms to evaluate their efficiency in decreasing the content of aristolochic acid A. Out of the 12 Chinese medicines examined, only these 4 species containing Aristolochia were found to possess aristolochic acid A. One specific microorganism was able to decrease the content of aristolochic acid A in all 4 of these medicines.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Aristolochic acid I
- Aristolochic acid II
- Aristolochic acid A
- Aristoloctaam
- Aristololactam
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for slimming and weight loss, but it is highly dangerous due to its severe nephrotoxicity. Historically, certain extracts containing aristolochic acid were used in traditional medicine to promote weight reduction. However, these compounds cause irreversible kidney damage and can lead to total renal failure. The toxic nature of the plant also poses a significant risk of causing urinary tract cancers. Because of these life-threatening side effects, many regulatory agencies have banned its use in dietary supplements.
According to a study published by "Archives of pharmacal research", Aristolochia contorta Bunge contains nephrotoxic aristolochic acid-I. The study determined the total AA in the dried root of Aristolochia contorta Bunge to be 25 +/- 1 microg/g. Additionally, the total AA found in the ripe fructus of Aristolochia contorta Bunge was 85 +/- 3 microg/g. These measurements were analyzed using a linear calibration curve with a slope of 6 x 10(8) nA/M and a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 for concentrations between 1.67 x 10(-8) M and 1.67 x 10(-6) M.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- slimming
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is Aristolochia contorta, a species used in traditional medicine to create various herbal preparations including slimming pills, diuretic teas, and topical poultices. These preparations were historically valued for their supposed ability to treat inflammation and promote weight loss. However, many of these products, particularly the slimming pills, contain aristolochic acid which is a highly potent nephrotoxin and carcinogen. Medical authorities have issued widespread warnings because consuming these preparations can lead to severe kidney damage and upper urinary tract cancers. Consequently, many countries have banned the sale of any herbal products derived from this plant to prevent permanent organ failure.
According to a study published by "Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences", aristolochic acid II was the major component for Aristolochia contorta. The level of aristolochic acid II in this plant ranged from <1 to 115 ppm. An HPLC procedure used a silica gel RP-18 reversed-phase column and a mobile system of 0.3% ammonium carbonate solution-acetonitrile (75:25, v/v) at pH 7.5 to separate these acids within 20 min. The recovery of aristolochic acids I and II was better than 90% when extracting with methanol and purifying through a PHP-LH-20 column.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- slimming pills
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause severe kidney damage through nephrotoxicity and induce cancer due to its inherent carcinogenicity. The consumption of Aristolochia contorta leads to the accumulation of aristolochic acid in human tissues. This toxic compound triggers progressive renal fibrosis and permanent kidney failure. Furthermore, the chemical is known to cause upper urinary tract mutations that result in urothelial carcinomas. These life-threatening conditions make the plant extremely dangerous for human ingestion.
According to a study published by "International journal of molecular sciences", Aristolochia contorta is a plant species that contains aristolochic acids (AAs). These chemical compounds are characterized by nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity. Because of these toxic properties, efforts are being made to reduce or completely remove toxic compounds while increasing bioactive compounds. The study identified 223 miRNAs and 363 miRNA targets within the plant. Researchers also identified 441 Aristolochia contorta NATs and 560 NAT-sense transcript (ST) pairs. These results provide a foundation for further manipulating the production of its bioactive and toxic compounds.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- carcinogenicity
- nephrotoxicity
What herbs are paired with Aristolochia contorta?
This plant Aristolochia contorta is traditionally paired with herbs such as ginger, cinnamon, and licorice to balance its potent medicinal properties.
These combinations are often used in traditional herbal formulations to modulate the plant's strong physiological effects. Ginger is frequently included to provide warming qualities and improve the overall digestibility of the mixture. Cinnamon is sometimes added to enhance circulation and add a subtle flavor profile to the decoction.
Practitioners select these specific pairings to harmonize the energetic profile of the aristolochia within a complex remedy.