Many in Asia and India Exposed to Kidney Risks of Herbal Medicines.

Many cases of aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) – a kidney disease caused by the intake of a botanical compound containing aristolochic acid – may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The compound is banned in the US but is used in herbal medicines in Asia and India and is readily available to Westerners via the Internet. Scientists reviewed worldwide cases of AAN, which is linked with renal failure and urothelial cancer, in an Annals of Internal Medicine study. They found that many millions of people continue to be at risk. The researchers also suggested a new classification system and treatment guidelines for AAN.