Aristolochia indica(Aristolochiaceae)

This plant is highly toxic due to the presence of a Aristochialic acid, a highly carcinogenic and nephrotoxic compound . Do not try to use any part of this plant

Aristolochia indica (Indian Birthwort)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Aristolochia indica

Family: Aristolochiaceae

Genus: Aristolochia

Related Herbs from the same family:

Aristolochia bracteolata (Bracteated Birthwort/Dhumrapatra): Used in traditional medicine for its anthelmintic (worm-expelling) properties and for skin diseases. It shares similar toxicological concerns.

Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia Snakeroot): A North American species used historically in Western herbalism for snakebites, fevers, and as a bitter tonic. It also contains aristolochic acids.

The Aristolochiaceae family is known for its unique pipe-shaped flowers and, critically, for the presence of aristolochic acids in many of its species. These compounds are potent but are now known to be severely nephrotoxic (kidney-damaging) and carcinogenic

Scientific name: Aristolochia indica | English: Indian Birthwort, Duck Flower | Sanskrit: Ishwari, Sunanda, Gajakarni | Hindi: Isharmul, Ishwari | Tamil: Perumarundu, Isvaramuli | Marathi: Sapasan, Ishvarvel | Telugu: Esvaraveru, Nallaisvara | Kannada: Isvareballi | Malayalam: Ishvaramuli, Karalakam | Nepali: Iswari

Medicinal Uses:

[WARNING: This plant is highly toxic. Its use is restricted and banned in many countries.]

Antidote (to snake & scorpion venom), Antifertility, Abortifacient, Emmenagogue, Anthelmintic, Antipyretic, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Antimicrobial, Antidiabetic, Immunomodulatory.

The potent, and often toxic, medicinal properties of Aristolochia indica are attributed to a unique and characteristic class of phytochemicals known as Aristolochic Acids, along with other compounds present in its roots and leaves.

Here are the main phytochemical constituents responsible for its distinctive properties:

Aristolochic Acids and Analogs: Aristolochic Acid I, Aristolochic Acid II. These are the primary bioactive, yet highly nephrotoxic and carcinogenic, compounds responsible for the herb's potent Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, and Antidote activities. Their use is heavily restricted globally.

Alkaloids and Amides: Aristolactams, Magnoflorine, Cylindrocarpine, N-para-Coumaroyltyramine. These contribute to the Antifertility, Oxytocic (induces labor), and Anthelmintic effects.

Terpenoids and Steroids: β-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Sesquiterpenes. These compounds may contribute to Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic effects, though they are overshadowed by the actions of aristolochic acids.

Essential Oils and Flavonoids: The plant contains minor amounts of essential oils and flavonoids which may have supportive Antimicrobial and Antioxidant roles.

Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses:

[IMPORTANT CONTEXT: The following traditional uses are listed for academic and historical understanding only. The use of this plant is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS and is no longer recommended.]

1. Antidote (Snake Venom & Scorpion Sting)

· Formulation: Root powder or root paste.

· Preparation & Use: In traditional folk medicine, a small quantity of fresh root paste or dried root powder is administered orally immediately after a snakebite or scorpion sting, often in combination with other herbs. This is a high-risk practice and modern antivenom is the only proven treatment.

· Justification: Aristolochic acid is believed to inhibit the enzymatic activity of certain venom toxins like phospholipase A2. However, its efficacy is debated and the risk of fatal poisoning from the herb itself is extremely high.

2. Antifertility & Abortifacient

· Formulation: Root decoction or powdered root.

· Preparation & Use: A strong decoction of the root was traditionally used as a powerful emmenagogue (to induce menstruation) and as an abortifacient to terminate pregnancies.

· Justification: The alkaloids, particularly magnoflorine and aristolochic acids, have strong oxytocic properties, stimulating uterine contractions. This makes it extremely dangerous for use during pregnancy and is a primary reason for its toxicity.

3. Anthelmintic (Deworming)

· Formulation: Leaf juice or root decoction.

· Preparation & Use: The juice of fresh leaves or a weak decoction of the root was administered orally to expel intestinal worms.

· Justification: The potent bioactive compounds, especially aristolochic acids, are toxic to parasites and helminthes, leading to their expulsion.

4. Anti-inflammatory & Antipyretic (Febrifuge)

· Formulation: Root paste or decoction.

· Preparation & Use: A paste made from the roots was applied topically to inflamed areas and swollen joints. A diluted decoction was used to treat chronic fevers.

· Justification: Aristolochic acids exhibit anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties by modulating inflammatory pathways. However, the systemic toxicity far outweighs any potential benefit for these conditions.

5. Anticancer (Folk Use)

· Formulation: Highly diluted root extracts or pastes.

· Preparation & Use: In some traditional systems, highly diluted extracts were used topically or internally for treating certain tumors and skin cancers. This use is extremely dangerous and not recommended.

· Justification: Aristolochic acids are cytotoxic and can induce apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. However, they are also strongly carcinogenic, causing mutations in DNA (specifically leading to urothelial cancers) and are never used in modern ethical oncology.

Disclaimer:

WARNING: ARISTOLOCHIA INDICA IS HIGHLY TOXIC AND ITS INTERNAL USE IS NOT SAFE.It contains Aristolochic Acids, which are potent nephrotoxins (kidney poisons) and carcinogens (cancer-causing agents). Internal use can lead to permanent kidney failure, urothelial cancer, and death. This information is presented for academic and educational purposes only. Do not consume this herb or use it for self-medication under any circumstances. Its use is banned or heavily restricted in many countries, including the USA, Canada, and members of the European Union.