Aristolochic acid

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Aristolochic acid
Other names Aristolochic acid I
  • Aristinic acid
  • Aristolochia yellow
  • Aristolochic acid A
  • Aristolochin
  • Aristolochine
  • Descresept
  • Isoaristolochic acid
  • Tardolyt
  • TR 1736

Aristolochic acid II

  • Aristolochic acid B
Identifiers
CAS number [313-67-7]
Properties
Molecular formula C17H11NO7
Molar mass 341.27684 g/mol
Density  ? g/cm3
Melting point

260 - 265 °C

Boiling point

°C

Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Aristolochic acid is a rodent carcinogen found in the Aristolochia and Asarum species, both in the Aristolochiaceae family of plants. Aristolochic acid is composed of a ~1:1 mixture of two forms, aristolochic acid I and aristolochic acid II.

In addition to its carcinogenicity, aristolochic acid is also highly nephrotoxic and may be a causative agent in Balkan nephropathy. However, despite these well-documented dangers, aristolochic acid is still sometimes used as a herbal remedy for weight loss.

[edit] References