Aristolochia didyma

Aristolochia didyma
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Magnoliids
Order:	Piperales
Family:	Aristolochiaceae
Genus:	Aristolochia
Species:	A. didyma
Binomial name
Aristolochia didyma S.Moore

Aristolochia didyma, or yawar panga is a plant found in South America (French Guiana, Brazil, Peru, Panama, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador) of the genus Aristolochia. It is a powerful purgative, sometimes used in traditional rites to purify the body a few days before an Ayahuasca session.[1][2]

Caution is required; injuries are linked to aristolochic acid contained in some species of this family, as in Belgium incorrect identification and misuse of Aristolochia species have resulted in severe consequences. Some cases of kidney failure were related after taking a slimming product in which Guang Fang Ji (Aristolochia) had been used instead of Han Fang Ji (Stephania).[3]

References

1. Labate, B. Yawarpanga (Aristolochia dydima) Bia Labate Ap. 2012
2. Ayahuasca. The use of ayahuasca and other medicinal plants in the treatment of drug addicts Enjoy Peru (travel tours information) Archived 2012-04-06 at the Wayback Machine Ap. 2012
3. Aristolochic Acid, FDA Recall of Herbs and Herbal Products. January 2001 Mayway Sotore Herbal Archived February 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Ap. 2012

External links

• Neotropical Aristolochia Ap. 2012