aristolochic acids


a·ris·to·loch·ic ac·ids

(ă'ris-tō-lō'kik as'idz), Aromatic mixtures of nitrophenanthrene derivatives from plants of the genus Aristolochia. Some are components of various Chinese herbal medications, known to cause interstitial renal fibrosis that can progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) even after discontinuation of intake. Some are potent carcinogens, employed in animal and bacterial studies. Human urothelial carcinomas can result from their use.