Aristolochia

Aristolochia is a large plant genus with over 500 species of shrubs and herbs, many having medicinal properties. Collectively known as birthworts, pipevines or Dutchman's pipes, they are the namesake of the family (Aristolochiaceae). They are widespread and occur in the most diverse climates. Some species, like A. utriformis and A. westlandii, are threatened with extinction.

Aristolochia
Aristolochia clematitis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
(unranked):	Magnoliids
Order:	Piperales
Family:	Aristolochiaceae
Subfamily:	Aristolochioideae
Genus:	Aristolochia L.
Species
Over 500, see text

Isotrema is usually included here, but might be a valid genus. If so, it contains those species with a three-lobed calyx.

Aristolochia Media

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  Calico flower (A. littoralis): habit

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  Aristolochic acid, the main toxin of pipevines

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  Aristolochia acuminata habitus drawing

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  Aristolochia arborea flowers

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  Aristolochia chilensis

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  Aristolochia eriantha

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  Aristolochia gibertii

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  Aristolochia gigantea

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  Aristolochia pistolochia

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  Aristolochia maxima

References

• American Cancer Society (ACS (2006): Known and Probable Carcinogens (Including Industrial Processes, Occupational Exposures, Infectious Agents, Chemicals, and Radiation). Version of 02/03/2006. Retrieved 2007-NOV-12.
• Depierreux, Michel. Pathologic Aspects of a Newly Described Nephropathy Related to the Prolonged Use of Chinese Herbs. American Journal of Kidney Diseases 24 (2) (August 1994). p. 172–180. doi:10.1016/s0272-6386(12)80178-8.
• Grollman, Arthur P.. Aristolochic acid and the etiology of endemic (Balkan) nephropathy. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104 (29) (17 July 2007). p. 12129–12134. doi:10.1073/pnas.0701248104.
• Heinrich, Michael. Local uses of Aristolochia species and content of aristolochic acid 1 and 2 – a global assessment based on bibliographic sources. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 125 (1) (August 2009). p. 108–144. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2009.05.028.
• Stiborová, M.. Aristolactam I a metabolite of aristolochic acid I upon activation forms an adduct found in DNA of patients with Chinese herbs nephropathy. Experimental and Toxicologic Pathology 51 (4–5) (July 1999). p. 421–427. doi:10.1016/S0940-2993(99)80033-5.

Other reading

• Mathew, Jessy Elizabeth. Anti-inflammatory, Antipruritic and Mast Cell Stabilizing Activity of Aristolochia Indica. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences 14 (5) (2011). p. 422–427.

Other websites

• Pictures of Aristolochia chilensis and Aristolochia bridgesii