Aristolochic acid B

Chemical Properties

Shiny brown leaflets or a yellow or white powder.

Uses

Aristolochic acids occur in Aristolochiaceae and in butterflies feeding on these plants. One of a group of fourteen known, substituted 1-phenanthrenecarboxylic acids

Definition

ChEBI: Aristolochic acid B is an aristolochic acid that is phenanthrene-1-carboxylic acid substituted by a methylenedioxy group at the 3,4 positions and by a nitro group at position 10. It has a role as a carcinogenic agent, a metabolite, a mutagen, a nephrotoxin and a toxin. It is a C-nitro compound, a member of aristolochic acids, an aromatic ether, a cyclic acetal, a monocarboxylic acid and an organic heterotetracyclic compound.

Potential Exposure

Aristolochic acids are alkaloids used primarily as a chemical intermediate for pharmaceuticals, lab chemicals, herbal extract, drug.

Carcinogenicity

Aristolochic acids are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in humans and supporting data on mechanisms of carcinogenesis. Evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals supports the findings in humans.

Shipping

UN1544 Alkaloids, solid, n.o.s. or Alkaloid salts, solid, n.o.s. poisonous, Hazard Class: 6.1; Labels: 6.1- Poisonous materials, Technical Name Required. PG III.

Incompatibilities

Compounds of the carboxyl group react with all bases, both inorganic and organic (i.e., amines) releasing substantial heat, water and a salt that may be harmful. Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides.

Waste Disposal

It is inappropriate and possibly dangerous to the environment to dispose of expired or waste drugs and pharmaceuticals by flushing them down the toilet or discarding them to the trash. Household quantities of expired or waste pharmaceuticals may be mixed with wet cat litter or coffee grounds, double-bagged in plastic, discard in trash. Larger quantities shall carefully take into consideration applicable DEA, EPA, and FDA regulations. If possible return the pharmaceutical to the manufacturer for proper disposal being careful to properly label and securely package the material. Alternatively, the waste pharmaceutical shall be labeled, securely packaged and transported by a state licensed medical waste contractor to dispose by burial in a licensed hazardous or toxic waste landfill or incinerator. All federal, state, and local environmental regulations must be observed.