Aristolochic acid
A chemical found in nature in the plant Aristolochia fangchi.
Aristolochic acid is contained in a number of botanical products sold as 'traditional medicines' or as dietary supplements or weight-loss remedies.
The use of products containing aristolochic acid can cause permanent kidney damage, including end-stage kidney failure requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
In addition, aristolochic acid can cause cancer, most often in the urinary tract, specifically transitional cell carcinoma (urothelial carcinoma).
In sum, aristolochic acid is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic; it is toxic to the kidney and causes cancer