Aristolochia fangchi
Aristolochia fangchi, commonly known as fangji, is a traditional medicinal herb used in various herbal formulations. While historically utilized for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties, modern science warns of its extreme nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity due to aristolochic acid. Consequently, its use is strictly regulated or prohibited in many regions.
- Scientific name: Aristolochia fangchi
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Piperales, it is classified under the family Aristolochiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Aristolochia.
| 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, Aristolochia fangchi, is known by various common names across different Chinese linguistic contexts. In Mandarin, it is referred to as 防己马兜铃 (zh), 防己马兜铃 (zh-cn), and 防己马兜铃 (zh-hans), while it is specifically called 廣防己 (zh-tw) in Taiwan. Additionally, it is sometimes identified by the name 藤防己 (zh).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 防己马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 防己马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 廣防己 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 防己马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh | 藤防己 | Wikidata |
| zh | 防己 | Wikidata |
| zh | 广防己 | Wikidata |
| zh | 白怪 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found within specific regions of East and Southeast Asia. In China, its presence is noted throughout the South-Central territories. It also maintains a significant distribution across the Southeast portion of the country. Furthermore, the species extends its range into the Indo-China peninsula. Specifically, it can be located within the borders of Vietnam.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| China | China South-Central | WCVP |
| China | China Southeast | WCVP |
| Indo-China | Vietnam | WCVP |
Chemicals
Aristolochia fangchi has 7 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aristolochic acid, aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acids, aporphine alkaloid, fangchinoline.
- Total chemicals
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aristolochic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| aristolochic acid I | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aristolochic acids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aporphine alkaloid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fangchinoline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| syringaresinol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tetrandrine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Aristolochia fangchi has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Nephrotoxic, Carcinogenic, Toxic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Nephrotoxic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Carcinogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Toxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Aristolochia fangchi has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include kidney failure.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| kidney failure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |