Aristolochia heterophylla

Aristolochia heterophyllla, commonly known as Wild Aristolochia or Dutchman's Pipe, is a perennial climbing herb native to East Asia. Renowned in traditional medicine for its unique heart-shaped leaves, it contains bioactive compounds used to treat inflammation and respiratory issues, though its potent alkaloids require careful, expert clinical consideration.

  • Scientific name: Aristolochia heterophylla
  • 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 its specific 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 heterophyllas, is referred to by several common names across different Chinese linguistic standards. In Traditional Chinese scripts, it is called 異葉馬兜鈴, which is used in Taiwan (zh-tw) and for general Traditional Chinese contexts (zh-hant). In Simplified Chinese scripts, the name is written as 异叶马兜铃, as utilized in Mainland China (zh-cn), for Simplified Chinese contexts (zh-hans), and in general Simplified Chinese (zh).
Language Common Name Source
zh-tw 異葉馬兜鈴 Wikidata
zh 异叶马兜铃 Wikidata
zh-hant 異葉馬兜鈴 Wikidata
zh-hans 异叶马兜铃 Wikidata
zh-cn 异叶马兜铃 Wikidata
zh 異葉馬兜鈴 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant, known as Aristolochia heterophyllia, exhibits a widespread presence across several specific regions in China. Its geographical range is notably documented within the South-Central part of the country. Additionally, the species can be found growing throughout the North-Central provinces. The distribution also extends significantly into the Southeast region of China. Collectively, these areas define the primary natural habitats where this medicinal plant thrives.

Region Area Source
China China South-Central WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Aristolochia heterophyllia, is a climbing perennial whose medicinal properties are primarily derived from its various morphological components. The roots serve as a vital part of the organism, often utilized in traditional practices, while the stems provide the structural support necessary for its climbing habit. The leaves are distinctive in shape, contributing to the plant's identification, and the flowers are specialized structures essential for its reproductive cycle. While different parts of Aristolochia heterophyllia have been historically studied, it is important to note that many species within this genus contain aristolochic acid, which necessitates caution regarding their use.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
aristolochia heterophylla 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Aristolochia heterophylla has 6 reported phytochemicals identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aristolochic acids, madolin-I, madolin-J, madolin-K, madolin-L.

Total chemicals
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
aristolochic acids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
madolin-I 1 ★☆☆☆☆
madolin-J 1 ★☆☆☆☆
madolin-K 1 ★☆☆☆☆
madolin-L 1 ★☆☆☆☆
madolin-M 1 ★☆☆☆☆