Abstract
Aristolochic acids are naturally occurring biomolecules found in plants of the genus Aristolochia and Asarum belonging to the family Aristolochiaceae. They are reported to be carcinogenic and nephrotoxic; and are implicated in kidney diseases, aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) which may result in kidney failure, other health complications and possibly death. Aristolochic acids are highly genotoxic and are linked to upper urothelial cancer in animals and humans. Some Aristolochia species are used in traditional medicine practice in Nigeria and other West African countries without regard to safety concerns. Several countries, especially in the Western world, have banned the use and importation of herbal products containing aristolochic acids. There is need for warning and strict regulation on the importation and consumption of aristolochic acids-containing botanical products in Nigeria. This study aims to review the availability of aristolochic acids, their toxicity, circulation, as well as the quantitative analytical techniques and regulations. It analyzes the herbal products containing aristolochic acids, and aristolochaceae plants grown in Nigeria in respect to public health implications. It highlights the importance of doing an extensive study on indigenous plants producing aristolochic acids and imported herbal products used as weight loss supplements marketed in Nigeria. There is need to emphasize the labeling of herbal products containing aristolochic acids. Key words: Aristolochic acid, herbal medicine, Nigeria, aristolochaceae, toxicity, regulation.
Highlights
Medicinal plants are used in combating multiple and complex disease conditions affecting humans because of their popularity, accessibility, affordability and claimed efficacy (Ayodele et al, 2010)
Consumption of products containing aristolochic acids is associated with permanent nephropathy, which may result in kidney failure and other complications, in May 2000, U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alerted consumers to discontinue use of botanical products containing or suspected to contain aristolochic acid (U.S FDA/ FDA, 2001)
France 2001: All homeopathic preparations containing Aristolochia brasiliensis and homeopathic preparations containing products belonging to Aristolochiaceae or related plant families were withdrawn due to risks of nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity associated with aristolochic acids (United Nations Publication 2005)
Summary
Medicinal plants are used in combating multiple and complex disease conditions affecting humans because of their popularity, accessibility, affordability and claimed efficacy (Ayodele et al, 2010). Many herbal products advertised on the internet have been reported to contain aristolochic acids (National Toxicological Program, 2008; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 2001). France 2001: All homeopathic preparations containing Aristolochia brasiliensis and homeopathic preparations containing products belonging to Aristolochiaceae or related plant families were withdrawn due to risks of nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity associated with aristolochic acids (United Nations Publication 2005). Oman 2001: Oman prohibited importation and marketing of aristolochic acids or products containing plants from aristolochiaceae family, due to kidney toxicity and urinary tract cancer associated with preparations containing aristolochic acids (United Nations Publication 2005). Venezuela: Aristolochic acids containing products are not approved for use and/or sale in Venezuela (United Nations Publication, 2005)
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