A B S T R A C T
Aristolochia indica, a perennial medicinal shrub belonging to the Aristolochiaceae family, is widely distributed across the tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent. Historically utilized since the Graeco-Roman era, this endangered plant is valued in traditional medicine for treating cholera, inflammation, and snake bites. Modern pharmacological evaluations have confirmed its significant antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential, primarily attributed to bioactive constituents like flavonoids, and terpenoids. Specifically, various extracts demonstrate dose-dependent ROS-scavenging activity and effective blood glucose reduction in diabetic models. However, the therapeutic utility of Aristolochia indica is severely constrained by the presence of aristolochic acids (AAs), which are potent nephrotoxins and carcinogens. Clinical evidence links AA exposure to aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN), upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC), and increased risks of hepatocellular carcinoma. Given these toxicological risks, future research must prioritize the development of AA-free antioxidant fractions. Comprehensive pharmacokinetic profiling and mechanistic studies on its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory pathways are essential to safely bridge traditional knowledge with evidence-based modern pharmacotherapy.
Keywords: Aristolochia indica, Aristolochic acid, Antioxidant activity, Nephrotoxicity, Antidiabetic.