Recently, the FDA has advised herbal supplement makers to test their products for the presence of aristolochic acid. It is only a matter of time before the FDA bans the importation of all products containing or presented as containing either Mu Tong or Fang Ji. These other species are being banned in addition to Aristolochia species because Aristolochia species are either unintentionally confused or intentionally substituted for these other species, not because these species are harmful in and of themselves. This ban follows two cases of renal failure in the UK due to mistaken inclusion of Aristolochia species in Chinese ready made or so-called patent medicines. More recently, The Journal of Chinese Medicine has reported 12 cases of kidney failure in Taiwan subsequent to taking Chinese herbal medicines.
Aristolochic acid is also chronically toxic to the digestive tract and is carcinogenic.
Two Blue Poppy Herbs' formulas contain ingredients that are currently of concern. Therefore, we are suspending sale of these two formulas immediately until we have received certificates of analyses showing that neither of these two products contains aristolochic acid. Our Chinese suppliers are quite certain that there is no aristolochic acid in 16 Flavors, and they are confident that no aristolochic acid will be found in Upbear Yang. Hopefully, that will only be a couple of weeks. We have requested expedited service.