# Aristolochia indica

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/aristolochia-indica
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Southeast Asian
**Also Known As:** Indian Birthwort, Ishwari, Isharmool, Garudakkodi, Perumarunthu, Sapsand, Aristoloche indienne, Indian Aristolochia, Birthwort root, Ishwar moola

## Overview

Aristolochia indica is a traditional Siddha medicinal plant containing aristolochic acids that exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and antidiarrheal properties. The herb works by inhibiting mast cell degranulation and reducing inflammatory mediator release in tissues.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Reduced rat paw edema and mast cell degranulation by 67% at 150-300 mg/kg doses (preliminary animal evidence)
• Antidiarrheal activity: Significantly reduced diarrhea frequency and intestinal transit in mice at 200-400 mg/kg doses (preliminary animal evidence)
• Fibrinolytic properties: Root enzyme degraded fibrin-β amyloid aggregates more potently than plasmin in rat models (preliminary in vitro evidence)
• Anti-anaphylactic effects: Dose-dependent mortality reduction in animal models at 50-1000 mg/kg (preliminary animal evidence)
• Mast cell stabilization: Inhibited degranulation to 32% vs 100% control at 300 mg/kg (preliminary animal evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Aristolochia indica contains aristolochic acids that inhibit mast cell degranulation and reduce histamine release, contributing to its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. The herb appears to modulate intestinal motility and reduce prostaglandin synthesis pathways. These bioactive compounds may also interfere with cyclooxygenase enzymes to decrease inflammatory mediator production.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Aristolochia indica comes exclusively from preliminary animal studies with no human clinical trials available. [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects were demonstrated in rat models showing 67% reduction in paw edema at doses of 150-300 mg/kg. Antidiarrheal activity was observed in mice at 200-400 mg/kg doses with significant reductions in diarrhea frequency and intestinal transit time. The evidence quality remains limited due to small sample sizes and lack of human data.

## Nutritional Profile

Aristolochia indica is a medicinal plant with limited conventional nutritional characterization; it is not consumed as a dietary food source. Known bioactive compounds drive its pharmacological profile: (1) Aristolochic acids (AA-I and AA-II) — the primary alkaloids, present at approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight in roots and stems; AA-I typically predominates; these are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic nitrophenanthrene compounds with very low safe exposure thresholds. (2) Aristolactams — secondary alkaloids including aristolactam AII and BII, detected in root and aerial parts at trace-to-low concentrations (~0.05–0.2% dry weight). (3) Terpenoids — including lupeol and β-sitosterol, present in root extracts; β-sitosterol reported at approximately 0.3–0.8% of lipid fraction. (4) Flavonoids — quercetin and kaempferol derivatives detected in leaf extracts at roughly 0.4–1.2 mg/g dry weight. (5) Phenolic acids — including caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid at approximately 0.2–0.6 mg/g dry weight. (6) A fibrinolytic enzyme (serine protease class) isolated from roots, molecular weight approximately 23–25 kDa, demonstrated in vitro activity against fibrin-β amyloid. (7) Tannins — condensed tannins estimated at 1.5–3% dry weight in bark/root. Macronutrient data is not formally established; crude fiber content in dried root material is estimated at 8–15% based on related Aristolochia species. Mineral content is incompletely characterized; trace potassium, calcium, and magnesium are present but not quantified in standardized studies. Bioavailability note: Aristolochic acids are rapidly absorbed orally and form stable DNA adducts in renal tissue; even low-dose chronic exposure carries documented carcinogenic risk, making nutritional use contraindicated.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages exist. Animal studies used root extracts at: 150-300 mg/kg ethanol extract for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects, 200-400 mg/kg for antidiarrheal activity, and 50-1000 mg/kg for anti-anaphylactic effects. No standardization specified. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acids that are associated with serious kidney toxicity and increased cancer risk in humans. Long-term use has been linked to aristolochic acid nephropathy and urothelial carcinomas. The herb should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to potential teratogenic effects. No specific drug interactions have been documented, but caution is advised with nephrotoxic medications.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for Aristolochia indica; all evidence is limited to preclinical animal and in vitro studies. Key studies include rat [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) models showing 67% reduction in mast cell degranulation (PMID: 23543848), mouse antidiarrheal studies (PMID: 24744636), and rat fibrinolytic enzyme research (PMID: 26545113).

## Historical & Cultural Context

In Indian tribal systems, particularly among the Siddis and Gowlis tribes, A. indica roots have been used for skin diseases over generations. The plant features in global traditional herbal medicine practices for wounds, [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and infections, with historical documentation in ethnobotanical records.

## Synergistic Combinations

Turmeric, Boswellia serrata, Ginger, Quercetin, Bromelain

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Aristolochia indica?

The primary active compounds are aristolochic acids, which are responsible for both the medicinal effects and potential toxicity. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties but also pose serious health risks with prolonged use.

### What dosage of Aristolochia indica was used in studies?

Animal studies used doses of 150-300 mg/kg for anti-inflammatory effects and 200-400 mg/kg for antidiarrheal activity. However, no safe human dosage has been established due to toxicity concerns.

### Is Aristolochia indica safe for kidney health?

No, Aristolochia indica contains aristolochic acids that can cause severe kidney damage and aristolochic acid nephropathy. The herb has been banned in many countries due to these serious safety concerns.

### Can Aristolochia indica help with inflammation?

Animal studies showed 67% reduction in rat paw edema, suggesting anti-inflammatory potential. However, the serious toxicity risks associated with aristolochic acids outweigh any potential benefits for inflammation treatment.

### How does Aristolochia indica work for diarrhea?

The herb appears to reduce intestinal motility and transit time, as demonstrated in mouse studies. It likely works by modulating prostaglandin pathways that control intestinal muscle contractions and fluid secretion.

### What is the research quality and evidence strength for Aristolochia indica?

Current evidence for Aristolochia indica is primarily derived from preliminary animal studies using doses of 150-400 mg/kg, which have not yet been translated to human clinical trials. While animal models show promising anti-inflammatory and antidiarrheal effects, the lack of human studies means efficacy and optimal dosing in people remain unestablished. More rigorous clinical research is needed before strong conclusions can be drawn about its therapeutic value in humans.

### Who should avoid taking Aristolochia indica?

Aristolochia indica contains aristolochic acids, compounds associated with nephrotoxicity and potential carcinogenicity, making it unsuitable for individuals with pre-existing kidney disease, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children. People taking medications metabolized by the kidneys or liver should avoid this ingredient without medical supervision, as it may increase organ burden. The safety profile in vulnerable populations has not been adequately studied.

### How does Aristolochia indica's fibrinolytic activity compare to standard fibrin-degrading treatments?

Preliminary research shows that enzymes from Aristolochia indica root demonstrate greater fibrin-β amyloid degradation capacity compared to plasmin in rat models, suggesting potential applications in thrombotic or neurodegenerative conditions. However, this in vitro finding has not been validated in human studies or clinical settings, so direct comparison to pharmaceutical fibrinolytic agents cannot be made. The clinical relevance of this mechanism remains speculative at present.

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