Common Name: Birthwort

General Information

Aristolochia clematitis is an erect, herbaceous perennial plant growing about 1 metre tall[].
The plant has a long history of herbal use and was formerly cultivated as a medicinal plant in most of Europe[]. It is still sometimes used medicinally, being harvested from the wild for local use. It is often cultivated in gardens as an ornamental[].
The plant occasionally escapes from cultivation in N. America, though it probably does not persist[]..

Known Hazards

The plant contains aristolochic acid, which has a range of positive medicinal activities. However, there are also potential harmful activities when it is taken internally. When used in large doses or even in small doses over a prolonged period, it can be particularly dangerous for the kidneys, causing irreversible damage, haematuria (blood in the urine) and limb paralysis [, , , , ].
Many species are used medicinally, taken both internally and externally, but some countries, including China, have banned them from internal use[]

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe - Denmark to Spain, east to Ukraine and Greece; W. Asia - Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan

Habitat

Waste ground, roadsides, gardens, orchards etc[, ].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Pollinators	Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[, ]. Succeeds in ordinary garden soil[].
The plant has an invasive root system[].
Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers, often smelling like decaying flesh[]. They are pollinated by the small flies that are attracted to the flowers by these foetid odours and by the purple-brown colour of the flowers. The flies enter the flower when the stigmas are receptive and then become trapped in the hairy throat of the flower until after the anthers dehisce, thus ensuring pollination[, , ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Birthwort has a very long history of medicinal use, though it has been little researched scientifically and is little used by present-day herbalists[, ]. It is an aromatic tonic herb that stimulates the uterus, reduces inflammation, controls bacterial infections and promotes healing[].

The flowering herb, with or without the root, is abortifacient, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, oxytocic and stimulant[, , , , ]. Another report says that the root is used on its own[] whilst a third says that either the fresh flowering herb or the dried rootstock can be used[].
The plant should not be used internally without experienced supervision, externally it is used in the treatment of slow-healing cuts, eczema, infected toe and finger nails etc[].
Use with caution, internal consumption can cause damage to the kidneys and uterine bleeding[, , ]. It should not be used by pregnant women[].

The juice from the stems was used to induce childbirth[].

Many species of Aristolochia have been used in the treatment of snakebite; the treatment may or may not be effective[].

The plant contains aristolochic acid. This compound has a long history of use in hebal medicine (through using plants of the genus Aristolochia) dating back at least to the 5th century CE in China and even earlier in Europe.
Aristolochic acid has a range of potential health benefits - it has been shown to stimulate white blood cell activity and speed the healing of wounds; it has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy; it can also be used in the treatment of acute and serious infections such as TB, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and infantile pneumonia.
However, when taken internally Aristolochic acid also has negative effects upon the body - as well as having anti-cancer properties, it can also be carcinogenic; when used in large doses or even in small doses over a long period, it can be particularly dangerous for the kidneys, causing irreversible damage, haematuria (blood in the urine) and limb paralysis [, , , , ].
Aristolochic acid is often found as an ingredient in proprietary medicines - however, any internal use of plants in this genus cannot be recommended without the guidance of a skilled therapist[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Division in autumn[].
Root cuttings in winter[].