Snakeroot

Aristolochia rotunda

Physical Characteristics

Aristolochia rotunda is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe - Mediterranean. Occasionally naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Antitussive Diuretic Eczema Emmenagogue Pectoral Vermifuge Vulnerary The root is antitussive, diuretic, emmenagogue, pectoral, vermifuge and vulnerary[4, 7, 46, 61]. This herb should only be used internally with expert advice since large doses can provoke abortions as well as poisoning with inflammation of the mucous membranes, resulting in respiratory paralysis[7]. The plant contains aristolochic acid which, whilst stimulating white blood cell activity and speeding the healing of wounds, is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[254]. Externally the plant is used to treat a variety of skin complaints including eczema and difficult to heal ulcers[7]. The root is harvested in late spring and dried for later use[7].

Known Hazards

The plant is poisonous in large quantities[7]. The plant contains aristolochic acid, this has received rather mixed reports on its toxicity. According to one report aristolochic acid stimulates white blood cell activity and speeds the healing of wounds, but is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[254]. Another report says that it is an active antitumour agent but is too toxic for clinical use[218]. Another report says that aristolochic acid has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy and that it also increases the cellular immunity and phagocytosis function of the phagocytic cells[176].