Ingredient
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is known teratogen and fetal development.
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Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Known teratogen
- Fetal development
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract comes from a plant in the birthwort family, which has been used in traditional Asian medicine. However, plants in this family can contain aristolochic acids, compounds that are toxic to the kidneys and have been classified as carcinogens by international health agencies. Aristolochic acids are known teratogens and can cause serious fetal harm, including developmental abnormalities and increased risk of miscarriage. The FDA has specifically warned against the use of botanical products containing aristolochic acids during pregnancy due to these severe risks. Even if manufacturers claim their extracts are processed to remove these compounds, verification is difficult and the risk-benefit ratio is unfavorable during pregnancy. ACOG and most obstetricians strongly recommend avoiding all products from the Aristolochiaceae family during pregnancy. The potential for nephrotoxicity and carcinogenicity, combined with teratogenic effects, makes this ingredient completely inappropriate for use during pregnancy, even in topical cosmetic formulations where some absorption may occur.
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract belongs to a plant family known to potentially contain aristolochic acids, which are classified as Group 1 carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). These compounds are nephrotoxic and have been linked to kidney damage and cancer in humans. While data on transfer into breast milk is limited, the severe toxicity profile of aristolochic acids makes any potential exposure to a breastfed infant unacceptable. Even topical absorption of small amounts could theoretically result in toxic compound transfer through breast milk. The FDA has issued warnings against aristolochic acid-containing products, and most healthcare providers extend this caution to breastfeeding women. Given the availability of numerous safer alternatives for skincare and the potential for serious harm from aristolochic acid exposure, all lactation consultants and pediatricians recommend completely avoiding products containing Asarum species while breastfeeding.
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
While not breastfeeding, the primary concern with Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract remains the potential presence of aristolochic acids, which are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. The FDA and European health authorities have warned against products containing these compounds due to their association with kidney damage and cancer. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, there are no specific reproductive concerns, but the general health risks from potential aristolochic acid exposure remain. Given that many safer botanical alternatives exist with similar anti-inflammatory properties, dermatologists generally recommend avoiding this ingredient regardless of pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Fertility effects
Given the known teratogenic effects of aristolochic acids and the uncertainty about when conception may occur, women trying to conceive should avoid Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract entirely. The same precautions that apply during pregnancy should be observed during the pre-conception period. Aristolochic acids can accumulate in the body and have been associated with reproductive toxicity in animal studies. To ensure no exposure during the critical early weeks of pregnancy before a woman knows she's conceived, it's advisable to discontinue use of any products containing this ingredient when actively trying to conceive.
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract has no specific interactions with hormonal pathways related to PCOS. It does not affect androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or ovarian function based on current knowledge. However, the general safety concerns regarding potential aristolochic acid content apply to all populations, including women with PCOS. While the ingredient may offer some anti-inflammatory benefits, these do not outweigh the potential risks associated with aristolochic acid exposure. For women with PCOS seeking anti-inflammatory skincare ingredients, there are numerous safer alternatives available that provide similar or superior benefits without the carcinogenic risk. Most dermatologists would not recommend this ingredient for any population due to safety concerns.
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
Asarum Sieboldii Root Extract has traditional use in Asian medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. However, modern safety research has raised significant concerns about plants in the Aristolochiaceae family due to their potential aristolochic acid content. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies plants containing aristolochic acids as Group 1 carcinogens—the same category as tobacco and asbestos. These compounds cause a specific type of kidney damage called 'Chinese herb nephropathy' and have been linked to urinary tract cancers. While manufacturers may claim their extracts are processed to remove aristolochic acids, independent verification is often lacking. The FDA has issued warnings about aristolochic acid-containing products, and the EU has banned them in cosmetics. For the general public, dermatologists and toxicologists recommend avoiding this ingredient entirely, as numerous safer botanical alternatives with similar benefits are available. The potential long-term health risks outweigh any cosmetic benefits.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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