Aristolochic acids are natural nitro-compounds found globally in the plant genus Aristolochia that have been implicated in the severe illness in humans termed aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Aristolochic acids undergo nitroreduction, among other metabolic reactions, and active intermediates
The plant extract aristolochic acid (AA), containing aristolochic acid I (AAI) and II (AAII) as major components, causes aristolochic acid nephropathy and Balkan endemic nephropathy, unique renal diseases associated with upper urothelial cancer. Differences in the metabolic activation and