Aristolochic Acid

Aristolochic Acid

Aristolochic acids are a family of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and nephrotoxic compounds commonly found in the Aristolochiaceae family of plants, including Aristolochia and Asarum (wild ginger), which are commonly used in Chinese herbal medicine. Aristolochic acid I is the most abundant of the aristolochic acids and is found in almost all Aristolochia species. Aristolochic acids are often accompanied by aristolactams.

Aristolochic acids are slightly soluble in water, have a melting point between 281 and 286 degrees celsius, and have a bitter flavor.