Home > Technical Articles > Aristolochic
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Home > Technical Articles > Aristolochic
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| Aristolochic acid (AA) is a known nephrotoxin (kidney) and potential carcinogen. It occurs in several different plant species, especially Aristolochia, which are sometimes found in traditional Chinese medicines. Because of the similarity of Chinese names for different herbs, it is possible for Aristolochia to be present in traditional medicines or in botanical-containing supplements. FDA requires some imported products to be tested before they will be released from customs and has warned consumers to immediately discontinue use of any product containing AA. FDA warns that products containing "Aristolochia," "Bragantia" or "Asarum" should be avoided. |
Aristolochic Acid I |
Testing for Aristolochic AcidFDA has developed a method for determination of aristolochic acid in botanical products. Samples are powdered, then extracted using 80:18:2 methanol:water:formic acid. This extract is filtered, then analyzed for the primary isomer, aristolochic acid I, using HPLC with UV detection. Extracts are then analyzed by LC-MS/MS for confirmation of both positive and negative results. Since LC-MS/MS is used in all cases, WCAS uses this technique exclusively for measurement of aristolochic acid. In the MS/MS analysis, the ammoniated molecular ion is selected in the first quadrupole, and three different product ions are monitored. All three must be |
present to generate a positive result. This essentially eliminates false positive results. We have applied this technique to several products with good results. Detection limits of approximately 0.5 µg/g (ppm) can be achieved. FDA Aristolochic Acid |
LC-MS/MS Chromatogram. 113 ng/mL Aristolochic Acid
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