Aristolochia
Aristolochia, commonly known as birthwort, is a genus of flowering plants valued in historical herbalism. While once used for various ailments, modern science warns against its use due to aristolochic acid. This potent compound is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, making many species strictly regulated or prohibited in medicinal practice today.
- Scientific name: Aristolochia
- Family: Aristolochiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Piperales and the family Aristolochiaceae. Ultimately, this medicinal specimen 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, belonging to the genus Aristolochia, is known by several regional names across different Chinese linguistic contexts. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 马兜铃属 (zh-hans and zh-cn), and the same nomenclature is utilized in Singapore (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese, the name is written as 馬兜鈴屬 (zh-hant and zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 马兜铃属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 馬兜鈴屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 馬兜鈴屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 马兜铃属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 马兜铃属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 馬兜鈴屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | Kokornak | Wikidata |
| he | ספלול | Wikidata |
| fr | Aristoloche | Wikidata |
| be | кірказон | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its presence is documented in Denmark and Great Britain. The distribution extends further north to include the territories of Norway and Sweden. Additionally, its habitat reaches into Middle Europe, specifically within Austria. Together, these locations define the known environmental scope for the Aristolochia species.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Netherlands | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as kaempfer dutchmanspipe, is a climbing perennial that utilizes various components for its traditional medicinal applications. The entire herb is often studied for its botanical properties, but specific parts are prioritized in traditional practices. The root system is a vital part of the plant's structure, while the reproductive elements, known as Fructus Aristolochiae, consist of the specialized dried fruits used in various preparations. Additionally, the seeds contained within these fruits play a crucial role in the plant's life cycle and dispersal.- Total parts
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| seeds | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempfer dutchmanspipe root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herbs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Fructus Aristolochiae | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Aristolochia has 17 reported phytochemicals identified across 47 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include aristolochic acids, aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, Aristolochic acids, aristolochic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 17
- Scientific sources
- 47
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| aristolochic acids | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| aristolochic acid I | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| aristolochic acid II | 7 | ★★★★☆ |
| Aristolochic acids | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| aristolochic acid | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Aristolochic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aristolactam I | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AA | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AAI | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| AANa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Aristolochia has 3 reported activities identified across 8 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Nephrotoxic, Carcinogenic, Expectorant.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 8
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Nephrotoxic | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Carcinogenic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Expectorant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Aristolochia has 15 reported medicinal uses identified across 17 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, Balkan endemic nephropathy, TIN, analgesic, carcinogens.
- Total uses
- 15
- Scientific sources
- 17
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Balkan endemic nephropathy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TIN | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| analgesic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| carcinogens | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cold | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cough | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diuretic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kidney disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kidney failure | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |