Aristolochic acid is a toxic chemical compound found in certain plants of the Aristolochia family, which are commonly used in traditional medicine. Aristolochic acid has been linked to kidney disease, urinary tract cancers, and other health problems.

When consumed, aristolochic acid can cause damage to DNA and the formation of abnormal cells, leading to kidney failure, urinary tract cancers, and other serious health problems. The toxic effects of aristolochic acid have been well-documented in scientific literature, and it is considered a potent carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).

Due to its toxicity, aristolochic acid is banned in many countries, and there are regulations in place to restrict its use in herbal remedies and dietary supplements. However, products containing aristolochic acid may still be available in some regions, and it is important to be cautious when using herbal remedies or supplements that may contain this substance.

It is recommended that individuals avoid using products containing aristolochic acid and seek medical attention if they experience any symptoms of toxicity or illness after consuming such products.

The effect on human herniated intervertebral disc phospholipase A2 (HD-PLA2) of a number of retinoids, antirheumatic drugs, and reported PLA2 inhibitors was evaluated using autoclaved [1-14C]-oleate-labeled Escherichia coli membranes as the substrate. Dexamethasone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aristolochic acid, and retinol were inactive, whereas a marked inhibition was found for manoalide, retinal, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and p-bromophenol bromide after preincubation with the enzyme (IC50 values 0.25, 4, 5 and 5 microM, respectively). The results are parallel to those obtained with the PLA2 purified from human synovial fluid ¹⁾.