Aristolochia fangchi
What's the taxonomical classification of Aristolochia fangchi?
Aristolochia fangchi belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is categorized under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida, it is further classified into the subclass Magnoliidae and falls under the order Piperales. This plant is a member of the family Aristolochiaceae, specifically situated within the genus Aristolochia, with the specific designation of the species fangchi.
| Taxonomic Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Piperales |
| Family | Aristolochiaceae |
| Genus | Aristolochia |
| Species | fangchi |
What are the morphological characteristics of this plant?
Aristolochia fangchi has perennial climbing stems with opposite, cordate to ovate leaves that feature entire margins and acute apices. The foliage typically presents a smooth texture and a dark green color on the upper surface. Its inflorescence consists of tubular, brownish or yellowish flowers that emerge from the leaf axils. These specialized flowers possess a complex structure designed to trap small insects for pollination. The plant often grows as a vine, using its twining stems to ascend through surrounding vegetation.
What is the geographical distribution of this plant?
This plant is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of East and Southeast Asia, including China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and parts of Japan. It typically thrives in mountainous areas and forest understories where humidity remains relatively high. Within these habitats, the species often grows in shaded environments such as thickets or along the edges of woodlands. Its range is closely tied to specific climate conditions that support its climbing habit. Localized populations are frequently found in provinces with distinct seasonal rainfall patterns.
How is this plant cultivated?
This plant Aristolochia fangchi requires well-draining, organic-rich soil and a humid, partially shaded environment to thrive during its growth cycles.
Cultivators must maintain consistent moisture levels without allowing the root systems to sit in stagnant water. Because it is a perennial climbing vine, it needs sturdy physical support such as a trellis or arbor to facilitate its upward movement. Monitoring for specific pests and ensuring moderate temperatures is essential for maintaining a healthy specimen.
Proper care is vital for the development of its characteristic heart-shaped leaves and tubular flowers.
What parts of this plant are used medicinally?
This plant is primarily used medicinally for its dried roots, which are processed into a traditional Chinese medicine known as Fang Ji. These roots contain aristolochic acids that were historically utilized for their anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. Practitioners often applied the root extracts to treat ailments such as joint pain, swelling, and urinary tract issues. However, modern medical research has identified these specific chemical compounds as highly nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. Consequently, the medicinal use of the root is now strictly regulated or avoided due to the severe risk of kidney damage and cancer.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", Aristolochia fangchi is a nephrotoxic plant species used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The plant is used in the form of root powder. This species contains aristolochic acid, which is a carcinogen linked to 128 reported cases of aristolochic acid nephropathy in Belgium and 116 cases of end-stage renal disease in China. Research using hyperspectral imaging in the wavelength region of 920-2514nm can distinguish this plant from others. A discrimination model was created using a discrimination information range of 964-1774nm with a coefficient of determination of 0.9 and a root mean square error of prediction of 0.23. This method can accurately predict adulteration mixtures as low as 10%.
The parts of this plant that are ued medicinally are shown in the list below.
- root
What traditional systems uses this plant?
This plant, known as Aristolochia fangchi, has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries to treat conditions such as respiratory ailments, inflammation, and edema. Practitioners historically prescribed its roots to clear heat and resolve toxins within the body. It was often incorporated into complex herbal formulas designed to alleviate pain and promote urination. Despite these long-standing applications, modern scientific research has identified potent nephrotoxins and carcinogens within the plant. Consequently, its use has been strictly regulated or banned in many regions due to the risk of severe kidney damage.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", Aristolochia fangchi is a nephrotoxic plant used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) under the name guang fang ji. This plant contains aristolochic acid, a carcinogen that causes urothelial carcinoma and aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Regarding reported medical cases, 128 cases of AAN were reported in Belgium, while China noted a further 116 cases with end-stage renal disease. To prevent toxicity from adulteration, studies investigated mixtures of Aristolochia fangchi with other species at levels of 10-90%. Hyperspectral imaging proved capable of accurately predicting adulteration as low as 10%.
The hystorical systems that uses this plant are shown in the list below.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
What are the pharmacological activities of Aristolochia fangchi?
This plant has potent carcinogenic and nephrotoxic properties that lead to severe kidney damage and tumor formation. The presence of aristolochic acids within the species triggers profound nephrotoxicity by inducing renal tubular necrosis. These compounds act as powerful carcinogens that specifically target the urinary tract and cause DNA damage. This cellular injury often results in the development of urothelial carcinomas in affected organisms. Consequently, the pharmacological profile of this plant is defined by its high risk of inducing renal failure and malignancy.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceuatical and biomedical analysis", Aristolochia fangchi contains the nephrotoxic and carcinogenic aristolochic acid. Among the 10 samples of Fangji purchased from local medicinal shops, 9 samples were found to be similar to Aristolochia fangchi. The presence of aristolochic acid I was confirmed in these 9 samples using LC-MS/MS. While the study developed methods for the simultaneous detection of aristolochic acid I, fangchinoline and tetrandrine, neither tetrandrine nor fangchinoline were detected in these specific samples.
The primary pharmacological activities of this plant are shown in the list below.
- carcinogenic
- nephrotoxic
- nephrotoxicity
What medicinal compounds this plant contains?
This plant contains several bioactive compounds including Aristolochic acid I, Aristolochic acid, various Aristolochic acids, Fangchinoline, and Tetrandrine. The presence of Aristolochic acids is particularly significant because these compounds are known to be highly nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. Fangchinoline serves as a specific alkaloid found within the plant's chemical profile. Additionally, the compound Tetrandrine is often studied for its diverse pharmacological properties. These various medicinal and toxic constituents make the chemical makeup of Aristolochia fangchi highly complex.
According to a study published by "Journal of pharmaceuatical and biomedical analysis", Aristolochia fangchi contains the nephrotoxic and carcinogenic aristolochic acid (AA). The plant also contains the marker compounds aristolochic acid I (AAI), tetrandrine, and fangchinoline. In the study, 10 samples of Fangji were tested, and 9 of these samples were found to be similar to Aristolochia fangchi. While AAI was confirmed in those 9 samples using LC-MS/MS, neither tetrandrine nor fangchinoline were detected in them. The methods developed allow for the simultaneous detection of AAI, fangchinoline, and tetrandrine.
The primary medicinal compounds of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Aristolochic acid I
- Aristolochic acids
- Fangchinoline
- Tetrandrine
- Aristolochic acid
What health conditions is this plant used for?
This plant is used for slimming, but its use is strictly prohibited due to its direct link to nephrotoxicity and aristolochic acid nephropathy. Consuming this species can lead to irreversible kidney failure through the accumulation of toxic compounds. These substances are known to cause severe damage to the renal system and are strongly associated with various cancers of the urinary tract. Because of these life-threatening risks, medical professionals advise against any form of consumption for weight management.
According to a study published by "Current medicinal chemistry", Aristolochia fangchi Y.C.Wu ex L.D. Chow & S.M. Hwang contains aristolochic acids. These acids cause the well-known aristolochic acid nephropathy. The substance also causes carcinogenesis by DNA adduct formation.
The main health conditions this plant is used for are shown in the list below.
- aristolochic acid nephropathy
- cancers of the urinary tract
- carcinogenesis
- kidney failure
- nephrotoxicity
What are the herbal preparations of this plant?
This plant is the source of various medicinal herbal preparations including Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract, decoctions, root powder, and slimming pills. These preparations were historically utilized in traditional medicine to address inflammation and promote weight loss. The root powder is often processed into different forms to facilitate easier consumption by patients. Some practitioners historically relied on decoctions made by boiling the plant material in water to extract its active components. However, many of these preparations, particularly the slimming pills, have been heavily restricted due to the presence of nephrotoxic aristolochic acids.
According to a study published by "Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica", the LD50 of RAFE was 36.8 g x kg(-1) with a 95% confidence limit of 38.8 - 28.9 g x kg(-1). RAFE was administered to rats at doses of 25.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), 120.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1), and 200.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1) for 13 weeks. Samples of blood, urine, and kidney were collected at the 4 week, 8 week, and 13 week marks. Administration of RAFE caused changes such as azotemia, massive proteinuria, and increased urinary NAGase during the earlier period. Middle and high doses of RAFE administered via interrupted gavage for above 13 weeks can cause injury to renal tubular functions in rats.
The main herbal preparations of this plant are shown in the list below.
- Radix Aristolochiae Fangchi Extract
- decoctions
- root powder
- slimming pills
What side effects this plant can have?
This plant can cause aristolochic acid nephropathy, a severe condition characterized by progressive kidney damage and an increased risk of cancer of the urinary tract. Consumption of its components often leads to acute renal tubular necrosis, where the functional cells of the kidney are rapidly destroyed. This damage frequently manifests as massive proteinuria, an excessive amount of protein being excreted in the urine. As the renal structures deteriorate, patients may ultimately face permanent kidney failure. These life-threatening complications make the plant highly toxic to human health.
According to a study published by "Phytochemistry", Aristolochia fangchi is a nephrotoxic plant containing aristolochic acid, which is a carcinogen. This substance causes urothelial carcinoma as well as aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). In Belgium, 128 cases of AAN were reported, while in China, an additional 116 cases involving end-stage renal disease were noted. The study also explored adulteration by preparing mixtures of other plants with Aristolochia fangchi at levels of 10-90%. Hyperspectral imaging demonstrated the ability to accurately predict such adulteration as low as 10%.
The main side effects this plant can have are shown in the list below.
- aristolochic acid nephropathy
- cancer of the urinary tract
- kidney failure
- massive proteinuria
- acute renal tubular necrosis
What herbs are paired with Aristolochia fangchi?
This plant Aristolochia fangchi is traditionally paired with herbs like Glycyrrhiza معناها or Licorice to mitigate its harsh effects and harmonize its medicinal properties.
These combinations are often utilized in traditional formulas to address respiratory ailments or to promote blood circulation. Practitioners frequently combine it with warming agents to enhance its ability to dispel wind and dampness from the body. Careful selection of these companion herbs is necessary to balance the potency of the Aristolochia species.
The specific ratios of these pairings are crucial for managing the overall therapeutic direction of the decoction.