Aristolochia trilobata
Aristolochia trilobata, commonly known as trilobate birthwort, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to East Asia. Characterized by its distinctive three-lobed leaves, it has historically been utilized in traditional medicine. However, modern science warns against its use due to the presence of nephrotoxic and carcinogenic aristolochic acids.
- Scientific name: Aristolochia trilobata
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Aristolochia trilobata, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Piperales. Finally, it is classified under the family Aristolochiaceae within 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 trilobata, is referred to by several different common names depending on the language and region. In Portuguese, it is called Angelicó, while in Chinese, various linguistic forms are used to describe it: it is known as 三裂叶马兜铃 (zh), 三裂叶马兜铃 (zh-cn), 三裂葉馬兜鈴 (zh-tw), and 三裂叶马兜铃 (zh-hans).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pt | Angelicó | Wikidata |
| zh | 三裂叶马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 三裂叶马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 三裂葉馬兜鈴 | Wikidata |
| zh-hans | 三裂叶马兜铃 | Wikidata |
| es | bejuco de santiago | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans across parts of North and Central America. In Mexico, it can specifically be found throughout the southeastern region of the country. Its range extends southward into Central America, where it is documented in Belize. The species is also present in the countries of Honduras and Nicaragua. Finally, its natural habitat reaches as far south as Costa Rica.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | Mexico Southeast | WCVP |
| Central America | Belize | WCVP |
| Central America | Costa Rica | WCVP |
| Central America | Honduras | WCVP |
| Central America | Nicaragua | WCVP |
| Central America | Panamá | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Bermuda | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Cuba | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Dominican Republic | WCVP |
| Caribbean | Haiti | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Aristolochia trilobatata, utilizes various anatomical structures for its biological functions and traditional medicinal applications. The leaves are typically heart-shaped or trilobed, serving as the primary site for photosynthesis and containing various secondary metabolites. The bark of the stem and roots acts as a protective layer for the plant's vascular system and is often studied for its chemical composition. Furthermore, the plant produces essential oil, a volatile liquid containing concentrated aromatic compounds that contribute to its unique chemical profile and biological activity.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Essential Oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Aristolochia trilobata has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aristolochic acids, limonene, linalool, p-cymene, sulcatyl acetate.
- Total chemicals
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aristolochic acids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| limonene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| linalool | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| p-cymene | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| sulcatyl acetate | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Aristolochia trilobata has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Carcinogenic, Nephrotoxic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinogenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Nephrotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |