Assay of aristolochic acid I

Aristolochic acid I is a molecule naturally present in certain plants of the genus Aristolochia and other related species. Classified as a nephrotoxic and carcinogenic substance, it is the cause of serious cases of nephropathy (Chinese grass syndrome) and urothelial carcinomas. Due to these toxic effects, the presence of aristolochic acid I in plant products is strictly prohibited or regulated in many countries, including the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Asia.

The analytical dosage of aristolochic acid I is therefore an essential requirement for players in the nutraceutical and phytotherapeutic sectors, or for any operator handling high-risk plant raw materials.

Why measure aristolochic acid I?

This compound is one of the undesirable substances monitored by health authorities. Its detection and quantification make it possible to:

• Ensure regulatory compliance and prevent the marketing of contaminated products
• Check the botanical authenticity of raw materials (avoid accidental substitutions or contamination with species of the genus Aristolochia )
• Protecting consumer health by limiting exposure to mutagenic and carcinogenic substances
• Meet the requirements of the quality specifications of brands, distributors and manufacturers of food supplements or natural products

The dosage is part of a process of traceability and securing the supply chain, particularly for plant extracts from traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine or other ethnic pharmacopoeias.

Proposed analytical methods: LC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD

Two approaches are available depending on the level of sensitivity required:

• LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry): method of choice for detection at very low concentrations (ng/g), particularly for regulatory monitoring.
• HPLC-DAD (UV/diode array detection): complementary method for less demanding controls or initial screening.

Our partner laboratories develop robust methods validated according to current standards (e.g.: European Pharmacopoeia, USP, EMA guidelines, etc.).

Affected matrices

The matrices most frequently subjected to analysis for the search for aristolochic acid I are:

• Plant extracts used in herbal medicine or in food supplements
• Herbal powders or capsules, including Asian products
• Raw plant materials (leaves, roots, stems)
• Traditional preparations from decoctions or macerations

Sectors of activity concerned

The dosage of aristolochic acid I directly concerns:

• The nutraceutical industry and herbal supplement manufacturers
• Importers and distributors of botanical raw materials
• Brands of herbal medicine, natural medicine or wellness products
• R&D or toxicology laboratories specializing in risk assessment
• Regulatory quality services and players in natural cosmetics

YesWeLab: your partner for the analysis of risky substances

YesWeLab facilitates access to cutting-edge analyses via an intuitive digital platform and a network of specialized laboratories (certified ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Our partners have state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS equipment and the expertise necessary to detect minute traces of plant contaminants.

We help you:

• Choose the method that suits your matrix
• Interpret the results in relation to regulatory thresholds
• Implement an analytical security strategy

Recommended Related Analyses

• Authenticity check (DNA barcoding)
• Pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) determination

Secure your plant products with YesWeLab

Add this dosage to your online quote request or contact our scientific team to assess the risks associated with your botanical extracts. We support you in a rigorous analytical process, compliant with market and health authority requirements.