Health Canada, Aug 17, 2001
2001-91
August 17, 2001
Advisory
Health Canada
advising not to use products labelled to contain Aristolochia
OTTAWA - Health Canada reminds consumers not to use products
labelled as containing Aristolochia, which is considered to be potentially
toxic. Aristolochia is an herb which produces aristolochic acid and has
long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. Aristolochic acid can
cause cancer, changes in human cells and kidney failure.
Health Canada first issued a warning on Aristolochia in November 1999.
At that time, Health Canada asked retailers, manufacturers and importers
to discontinue sale of certain products that were analyzed and found to
contain aristolochic acid. However, a recent market survey in Canada
showed that some products labelled as containing Aristolochia are still
being found on the shelves.
Health Canada is currently investigating these products, as well as
products labelled to contain other herbs such as Stephania, Clematis,
Akebia and Asarum for the presence of aristolochic acid. Aristolochia
might have been used as a substitute for these herbs in some traditional
Chinese medicines under the traditional name of Mu Tong. Consumers are
therefore advised not to use products labelled to contain Mu Tong or any
of the herbs listed above.
Health Canada is also taking further action with manufacturers to
prevent the sale of products which may contain aristolochic acid. A
Customs Alert has been re-issued, to ensure that products containing
Aristolochia do not enter Canada.
There have been numerous international reports of death or injury from
kidney failure due to ingestion of products found to contain aristolochic
acid. Other countries, including the United States and member states of
the European Union, have taken regulatory action to address the risk of
aristolochic acid to consumers.
To date, no reports of adverse or toxic reactions related to products
containing aristolochic acid have been reported in Canada.
The text in this article was prepared by Health Canada.