Aristolochic Acid may be found in botanical products, which may have been sold as "traditional medicines" or as ingredients in dietary supplements.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), "Consumption of products containing aristolochic acid has been associated with permanent kidney damage, sometimes resulting in kidney failure that has required kidney dialysis or kidney transplantation. In addition, some patients have developed certain types of cancers, most often occurring in the urinary tract."
The FDA advises consumers to stop using any products that may likely contain aristolochic acid, which includes products with the words "Aristolochia," "Bragantia" or "Asarum" listed as ingredients on the label.
The FDA has included at least one product marketed for weight control on their advisory list of products that contains Aristolochic Acid. The product is BioSlim Doctor's Natural Weight Loss System Slim Tone Formula.
For a list of other products that contain Aristolochic Acid, read Botanical Products Determined by FDA to Contain Aristolochic Acids.
For more information on this issue, read the FDA's Consumer Advisory, FDA Warns Consumers To Discontinue Use Of Botanical Products That Contain Aristolochic Acid.
