Aristolochia foetida
Aristolochia foetida, commonly known as the birthwort, is a perennial climbing herb native to South Asia. While historically used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and digestive issues, it contains toxic aristolochic acids. These compounds pose severe health risks, including nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity, making its use highly dangerous.
- Scientific name: Aristolochia foetida
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Piperales, falling into the family Aristolochiaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined 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, known scientifically as Aristolochia foetida, is recognized by various regional names across different languages. In English, it is commonly referred to as the foul birthwort due to the unpleasant odor of its flowers. In Hindi, it is known as Mahasarsaparina, while in Bengali, it is called Mahasarsaparina as well. In Sanskrit, the plant is identified as Mahasarsaparina, and in its native regional contexts in India, it may also be called Mahasarsaparina.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant, known as Aristolochia foetida, exhibits a specific range within the territory of Mexico. Its presence can be identified throughout the central regions of Mexico. Additionally, the species is distributed across the northeast part of the country. It also inhabits various areas located in the southwest of Mexico. These combined regions define the primary geographical footprint of this medicinal species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Central | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Southwest | WCVP |
Chemicals
Aristolochia foetida has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid, 2-butoxyethyl dodecanoate, ethyl hexadecanoate, hexadecanoic acid, methyl hexadecanoate.
- Total chemicals
- 6
- Scientific sources
- 6
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 2-butoxyethyl dodecanoate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ethyl hexadecanoate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hexadecanoic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methyl hexadecanoate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| methyl octadeca-9,12,15-trienoate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Aristolochia foetida has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include breast cancer.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |