Editorial
Aristolochic acid nephropathy
Cite this as:
BMJ
2012;344:e4000
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16 July 2012
We read with interest your article on Aristolochic acid nephropathy 1 in herbal medicinal products deriving from the plant family Aristolochia (now classified as a human carcinogen). We also note that the image provided, annotated to depict Aristolochia clematis, actually illustrates a species of the Calendula family. Far from being nephrotoxic or carcinogenic, this flower is acknowledged by the Royal Horticultural Society to be rather a nice addition to salads and adds a splash of colour to rice dishes.2
References
1. Gökmen MR, Lord GM. Aristolochic acid nephropathy. BMJ2012;344:e4000
2. Brickell, C. 2007. Encyclopaedia of gardening. St Helens, UK: DK
Competing interests: None declared
Queen Alexandra Hospital Portsmouth, Dept OMFS, QAH, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY
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15 July 2012
At the risk of appearing pedantic, there is no way that the illustration given could possibly be an Aristolochia. It shows a member of the Compositae, the daisy family. It may indeed be nephrotoxic as well, but is certainly isn't in the Aristolochiacae. Aristolochia clematitis has become widely naturalised in Europe and can be found growing wild in the UK, although it is thought to originate from the Eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus.
Competing interests: None declared
Kingstone Surgery, Herefordshire
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15 July 2012
The picture which accompanies this article is incorrect. The Aristolochia flower looks like a "Dutchman's pipe" and is small and pale yellow. The plant illustrated looks like a kind of marigold.
Competing interests: None declared
None, 9, The Drive, Hopwood, B48 7AH
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