Additional notes (click to expand)

Toxicity

Contains aristolochic acid I and II in the Nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acid group. It is both genotoxic and carcinogenic. Carcinogenic in mice, rats and rabbits. Urothelial cancers develop in patients with aristolochic acid nephropathy. They are genotoxic mutagens that form DNA-adducts.
van den Berg, S.J.P.L., Restani, et al., P.. (2011). Levels of Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Compounds in Plant Food Supplements and Associated Risk Assessment. Food and Nutrition Science 2: 989-1010. link

Geographical distribution

  • Northern America, Southwestern U.S.A., California

Aristolochia californica

Family: ARISTOLOCHIACEAE
Genus: Aristolochia
Species: californica
Common names: California snakeroot
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H5 - Hardy; cold winter
Garden status: Not currently grown


Back to List