Aristolochic acid B is an alkaloid that has been found in Aristolochia with mutagenic activity.1 It forms DNA adducts under anaerobic conditions in vitro when used at a concentration of 0.4 mM. Oral administration of aristolochic acid B (0.03 mmol/kg) induces bladder, forestomach, and kidney DNA adduct formation in rats. Aristolochic acid B reduces body weight and urine concentrations of sodium, potassium, and calcium, enlarges the liver and kidneys, and increases blood concentrations of hemoglobin and hematocrit in rats.2
1.Schmeiser, H.H., Schoepe, K.-B., and Wiessler, M.DNA adduct formation of aristolochic acid I and II in vitro and in vivoCarcinogenesis9(2)297-303(1988) 2.Yeh, Y.-H., Lee, Y.-T., Hsieh, H.-S., et al.Short-term toxicity of aristolochic acid, aristolochic acid-I and aristolochic acid-II in ratsFood Chem. Toxicol.46(3)1157-1163(2008)