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 responsible for serious cases of nephropathy (Chinese grass syndrome) and urothelial carcinoma. Due to these toxic effects, the presence of aristolochic acid I in plant products is strictly prohibited or regulated in many countries, particularly in the European Union, the United States, Canada, and Asia.

Analytical determination of aristolochic acid I is therefore an essential requirement for players in the nutraceutical, phytotherapeutic, or any operator handling high-risk plant raw materials.

Why measure aristolochic acid I?

This compound is among the undesirable substances monitored by health authorities. Its detection and quantification allow for:

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

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

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

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

• 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 and validated methods according to current standards (e.g. European Pharmacopoeia, USP, EMA guidelines, etc.).

Affected matrices

The matrices most frequently submitted for analysis to detect aristolochic acid I are:

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

Sectors of activity concerned

The determination of aristolochic acid I directly concerns:

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

YesWeLab: your partner for the analysis of hazardous substances

YesWeLab facilitates access to cutting-edge analyses through 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 needed to detect minute traces of plant contaminants.

We help you to:

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

Recommended Related Analyses

• Authenticity check (DNA barcoding)
• Assay of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA)

Secure your plant-based 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 with a rigorous analytical approach, compliant with market and health authority requirements.