Definition of Aristolochic acid

Aristolochic acid: Aristolochic acids are a family of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and nephrotoxic compounds commonly found in the Aristolochiaceae family of plants. Aristolochic acid was previously contained in a number of botanical products sold as "traditional medicines" or as dietary supplements or weight-loss remedies. The use of products containing aristolochic acid were found to cause kidney damage, including end-stage kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. In addition, aristolochic acid is carcinogenic, most often in the urinary tract. In sum, aristolochic acid is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic; it is toxic to the kidney and causes cancer.

Danette Dehnicke, NMD Naturopathic Medicine 25033 Piperine Naturopathic Medicine A pungent alkaloid that is concentrated in the outer skin of pepper berries (which gives pepper much of its bite) and is found in other spices and vegetables including jalapeno peppers. Piperine is used as a flavoring and as an insecticide. The word is derived from the Latin piper, pepper.

Danette Dehnicke, NMD Naturopathic Medicine 25058 Hahnemann, Samuel Naturopathic Medicine (1755-1843) German physician and founder of homeopathy.

Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) was a German physician and founder of homeopathy.

Danette Dehnicke, NMD Naturopathic Medicine 25379 Scutellaria barbata Naturopathic Medicine A

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24794
Last Editorial Review: 9/20/2012