Which specific toxicological outcomes are known to result from ingesting aristolochic acid?
Answer
Nephrotoxic effects leading to kidney failure and carcinogenic effects resulting in urothelial cancer
The documented danger of ingesting aristolochic acid involves two major systemic threats. First, it is nephrotoxic, meaning it specifically targets the kidneys, and documented cases of severe health outcomes include rapid onset of kidney failure. Second, the compound is carcinogenic, establishing a risk for cancer development; specifically, ingestion has been linked historically to urothelial cancer. Because of this duality—direct kidney toxicity and long-term cancer risk—even small amounts of the *Asarum* plant are considered concerning, prompting major health organizations to issue strong warnings against its use.
Related Questions
What dangerous compound found in Asarum species is linked to severe kidney and cancer risks?Which specific toxicological outcomes are known to result from ingesting aristolochic acid?To which botanical family does the toxic North American wild ginger, *Asarum canadense*, belong?Which family identifies the tropical plant *Zingiber officinale*, the source of culinary ginger spice?How are the small, inconspicuous flowers of the native *Asarum* species typically situated?What is the key reasoning behind the FDA's strong advisory against consuming any part of the *Asarum* plant?What specific leaf shape helps characterize *Asarum canadense* in North American foraging contexts?How should a forager reframe the assessment of *Asarum* consumption to consider long-term health risks?What aspect is cited as the reason the toxic *Asarum* shares a common name with *Zingiber officinale*?What rigorous method is cited as the benchmark for safe foraging identification, especially when *Asarum* is involved?