Aristolochic Acid and Chinese Herb Nephropathy

Abstract

Physical Description: This herb is a perennial climbing vine with a slender, gray -brown stem that contains brown villi. The oblong or ovate -shaped leaves are petioled and relatively large, 3 -11 cm ( ∼ 1 -4 in.) long and 2 -6 cm (0.8 -2.4 in.) wide. The tubular, purple fl ower is 2 -3 cm ( ∼ .8 -1.2 in.) long with yellow spots. The fl owers bloom in May and June. The capsules contain many seeds. Distribution and Ecology: The Aristolochiaceae family comprises seven genera of herbs and shrubs Chapter 47