Embedded Files
Toxicity
Toxicity
Symptoms
Symptoms
Symptoms: Burning of tongue, cancer, dermatitis, diarrhea, nausea, paralysis, possibly kidney failure, rash, vomiting.
Duration of Symptoms: Days - months depending on the symptom.
Rate of Poison: Kidney failure: 1 - 8 years after exposure.
Causes Death: Yes
Treatment: Anti-itch cream or ointment, cool compress.
Despite the name, these wild gingers should not be used as a garnish or spice unless properly prepared. The rhizomes (underground stems) are used in place of ginger.
Photograph: USGS Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Main Toxin
Main Toxin
Molecular structure of Aristolochic Acid (ChemDraw)
Aristolochic Acid
Aristolochic Acid
Aristolochic acid, a nitrophenanthrene carboxylic acid derivative, is potentially a carcinogen and could damage the kidneys. Types of damages may include kidney failure. Aristolochic acid metabolizes to form the N-acylnitrenium ion with a positive charge. This allows the ion to bind to the amino groups of adenosine and guanine, located on DNA to form DNA adducts. Reductive activation of aristolochic acid is caused by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 enzyme or NADPH/CYP depending on the location. Harmful environmental factors and poor health practices increase the risk of developing toxicity from aristolochic acid. The mechanism of how aristolochic acid causes kidney damage is not entirely known.
In other words: Aristolochic acid is a chemical that can cause cancer and kidney damage, including kidney failure. It turns into a positively charged ion that attaches to DNA, forming harmful compounds. This process is helped by certain enzymes in the body. Environmental factors and poor health habits can increase the risk of toxicity. The exact way it causes kidney damage is still not fully understood.
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Other Toxins and Chemical Components
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol (1,8-Cineole) is a monoterpenoid and a cyclic ether that is used as a flavouring agent for food items, such as candy, mouthwash, or pharmaceutical aids. A small amount ingested could result in induction of coma or fatality. Some irritation may occur along with ataxia, convulsions, delirium, epigastric burning, nausea, and stupor.
Eucalyptol is low in viscosity, easily entering the lungs if ingested. Typically, eucalyptol is used to help reduce inflammation and mucus overproduction by targeting cellular functions in the lungs. However, at high concentrations, eucalyptol can result in respiratory issues that can result in fatal lung damage. Skin irritation may occur in more sensitive individuals who come in contact with eucalyptol.
In other words: Eucalyptol is a compound used in food flavoring, mouthwash, and medicines. Ingesting even a small amount can cause serious health issues, including coma or death. It can also cause irritation, convulsions, delirium, stomach pain, nausea, and stupor. Because it is not very thick substance, it can easily enter the lungs if swallowed, leading to severe respiratory problems and potentially fatal lung damage. It is typically used to reduce inflammation and mucus in the lungs, but high concentrations can cause serious respiratory issues. Some people may also experience skin irritation from contact with eucalyptol.
Limonene*
Limonene*
Limonene is a monoterpenoid compound that can be fatal if ingested or inhaled. Limonene has been known to cause respiratory issues by impairing lung functioning and causing shortness of breath. If in contact with limonene, irritation may occur and result in dermatitis. It is also considered an irritant to the eyes, the mouth, the throat, and the gastrointestinal tract.
In other words: Limonene is a type of chemical that can be really harmful if you breathe it in or if you accidentally swallow it. It can mess with your lungs and make it hard for you to breathe. If limonene touches your skin, it might cause irritation and skin rashes. It is also known to irritate your eyes, mouth, throat, and stomach.
Tiglic Aldehyde
Tiglic Aldehyde
Tiglic aldehyde is an unsaturated aldehyde that is known to target the respiratory system. This chemical can easily enter the lungs due to its low viscosity, resulting in irritation to the mucous membranes and the respiratory tract. It can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
In other words: Tiglic aldehyde is a dangerous chemical that can easily get into the lungs since it is not a thick substance. This can easily cause irritation with the respiratory system and mucous membranes, which can result in dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
2,6-dimethylpyrazine
Acetylfuran
Bornyl Acetate
Cuminic alcohol
Furfural
Hotrienol
Isovaleral
Linalyl Acetate
Methyllisoeugenol
Paracymene
Sabinene
Trans-p-menthen-1-ol
β-pinene
3-methylcyclopentanone
Artistolone
Butylphthalide
Diacetone Alcohol
Geraniol
Isoamyl Alcohol
Juneol
Linloo Oxide
Myrcene
Pertanol
Sedanolide
Verbenone
γ-terpineol
4-terpineol
Benzaldehyde
Camphene
Elemicin
Geranyl Acetate
Isocineole
Linalool
Methylchavicol
Myrtenal
Pinocarveol
Terpinolene
α-pinene
5-methylfurfural
Borneol
Coffee Furanone
Eugenol
Hexanal
Isoelemicin
Linalool Oxide
Methylleugenol
Neryl Acetate
Prenal
Thymyl methyl ether
α-terpineol
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Leaves
Contact Hazard: Yes
Animals Affected: Cats, dogs.
Medicinal Value
Medicinal Value
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Roots, rootstock
Properties: Anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, antibiotic, antitumor, carminative, contraceptive, diaphoretic, diuretic, emenagogue, expectorant, stimulant, stomachic.
Components: Aristolochic acid.
Antidote: None known
Preparation: Infusion, poultice, powder, salve, tea, tincture, tonic.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Treatments
Treatments
Appetite Enhancer
Colds: Warm infusion
Colic
Contraceptive: Decoction of rootstock and roots.
Cough
Digestion
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sinusitis
Stomach Pain
Toothache
Wounds
Location
Location
Asia
Europe
North America
Claimed Treatments
Claimed Treatments
Asthma
Chronic Chest Pains
Colds
Colic: Tea made from rootstock.
Cough
Dehydration
Flatulence: Tea made from rootstock.
Inflammation: Fresh leaves made into a poultice.
Intestinal Spasms
Liver Disease
Migraine Headaches
Pneumonia
Sneezing: Powder
Upset Stomach: Tea made from rootstock.
Wounds: Fresh leaves made into a poultice.
Location
Location
North America
Edibility
Edibility
General Information
General Information
Parts of Plant: Rhizomes, root
Nutrients:
Minerals: Calcium, magnesium
Proteins
Taste: Spicy
WARNING: Some resource advise against the consumption of Wild Ginger.
Historical Uses
Historical Uses
Current Uses
Current Uses
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Candied Flavouring: Pieces of root cooked in sugar water for a couple of days.
Spice: Wild ginger was used as a spice by grinding the root into powder.
Preparation Methods
Preparation Methods
Ginger substitute: Boil rhizomes or root in sugar water to create a decoction.
General Facts
General Facts
Plant Facts
Plant Facts
Illustration of Wild Ginger by D. A. Wilkerson
Family: Aristolochiaceae
Genus: Asarum
Other Names: Black Snakeweed, Canada Snakeroot, Coltsfoot Snakeroot, False Coltsfoot, Ginger Root, Heart Snakeroot, Indian Ginger, Southern Snakeroot, Vermont Snakeroot
Synonyms: A. acuminatum, A. carolinianum, A. furcatum, A. latifolium, A. medium, A. parvifolium, A. rubrocinctum, A. villosum, A. ypsilantense
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Bloom Colours: Red, Red-brown, Green, Purple, Brown
Bloom Time: March - June
Type: Perennial
Height: 4-8 inches tall.
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Habitat: Rich woods
Origin: North America
States: AL, AR, CT, DE, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, VT, VA, WV, WI.
Provinces: MB, NB, ON, QC
Related Species
Related Species
Asarum arifolium
(Little Brown Jug)
Photo: Halpaugh - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Asarum caucasicum
(Caucasian Wild Ginger)
Photo: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Asarum europaeum
(European Wild Ginger)
Photo: Agnieszka Kwiecień Nova - Wikimedia Commons
License: CCSA 4.0
Asarum tamaense
(Tama Wild Ginger)
Photo yamatsu - Wikimedia Commons
License: Public Domain
Asarum trigynum
(Three-Gynous Wild Ginger)
Photo: Motohiro Sunouchi - Wikimedia Commons
License: CC 4.0
Other Species
Other Species
Asarum ampulliflorum
Asarum caudigerellum
Asarum chinense
Asarum costatum
Asarum debile
Asarum forbesii
Asarum geophilum
Asarum heterophyllum
Asarum inflatum
Asarum kooyanum
Asarum lewisii
Asarum misandrum
Asarum nomadakense
Asarum petelotii
Asarum reflexum
Asarum rosei
Asarum simile
Asarum tawushanianum
Asarum tungyanshanianum
Asarum wannanense
Asarum yeonbyeonense
Asarum balansae
Asarum celsum
Asarum chueyi
Asarum crassisepalum
Asarum dilatatum
Asarum fudsinoi
Asarum glabrum
Asarum hexalobum
Asarum insigne
Asarum koreanum
Asarum longerhizomatosum
Asarum mitoanum
Asarum okinawense
Asarum porphyronotum
Asarum renicordatum
Asarum sagittarioides
Asarum sprengeri
Asarum tokarense
Asarum unzen
Asarum wulingense
Asarum yunnanense
Asarum bashanense
Asarum chatienshanianum
Asarum contractum
Asarum crassum
Asarum dissitum
Asarum fukienense
Asarum gusk
Asarum himalaicum
Asarum kinoshitae
Asarum lemmonii
Asarum lutchuense
Asarum nanchuanense
Asarum parviflorum
Asarum pubitessellatum
Asarum reticulatum
Asarum satsumense
Asarum tabatanum
Asarum tongjiangense
Asarum viridiflorum
Asarum yaeyamense
Asarum cardiophyllum
Asarum chengkouense
Asarum cordifolium
Asarum crispulatum
Asarum epigynum
Asarum gelasinum
Asarum harperi
Asarum ichangense
Asarum kiusianum
Asarum leucosepalum
Asarum macranthum
Asarum nazeanum
Asarum pellucidum
Asarum pulchellum
Asarum robilissimum
Asarum shoukaense
Asarum taipingshanianum
Asarum trinacriforme
Asarum wagneri
Asarum yentuense
Family Connection
Family Connection
Sources
Sources
Toxicity Section
Toxicity Section
Bauer, L., Bell, C. L., Gearien, J. E., & Takeda, H. (1967). Constituents of the rhizome of Asarum canadense. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 56(3), 336-343. From https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jps.2600560306
Gökmen, M. R., Cosyns, J. P., Arlt, V. M., Stiborová, M., Phillips, D. H., Schmeiser, H. H., ... & Lord, G. M. (2013). The epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of aristolochic acid nephropathy: a narrative review. Annals of internal medicine, 158(6), 469-477. From https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/full/10.7326/0003-4819-158-6-201303190-00006
Justin. (n.d.) Wild Ginger: It's Wild, Not Exactly Ginger, and Potentially Deadly. Nature's Poisons. From https://naturespoisons.com/2014/09/10/wild-ginger-aristolochic-acid-asarum-aristolochiaceae/
Kim, Y. W., Kim, M. J., Chung, B. Y., Bang, D. Y., Lim, S. K., Choi, S. M., ... & Lee, B. M. (2013). Safety evaluation and risk assessment of d-limonene. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B, 16(1), 17-38. From https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23573938/
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2023). Asarum canadense. The University of Texas at Austin. From https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=asca
McMillin, D. L., Nelson, C. D., DC, D. G. R., & Mein, E. A. (2003). Determination of Aristolochic Acid in Asarum canadense (Wild Ginger). From https://www.meridianinstitute.com/reports/wgreport.pdf
Motto, M. G., & Secord, N. J. (1985). Composition of the essential oil from Asarum canadense. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 33(5), 789-791. From https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jf00065a004?casa_token=ZWLEQvG_z_UAAAAA:8gG1OepU61_c9Y9o0XC2YBcK6vmuqVvVb0ybXHGxoLywwX5tlYm87nft3MwJhHrvfErAQDRlxW9-1Xnf
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmilliam Publishing. (pp. 8, 63).
Picture This. (n.d.). Wild Ginger. From https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Asarum_canadense.html
Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Asarum canadense - L. From https://pfaf.org/User/plant.aspx?latinname=Asarum+canadense
Pries, R., Jeschke, S., Leichtle, A., & Bruchhage, K. L. (2023). Modes of action of 1, 8-cineol in infections and inflammation. Metabolites, 13(6), 751. From https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1989/13/6/751
Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife. (1998). Wildflowers: Guides to Recognizing Just About Everything in Nature. Reader’s Digest Association. (pp. 17)
RxList. (2021). Asarum. From https://www.rxlist.com/asarum/supplements.htm
Shaw, H. (2012). Wild Ginger: Delicious or Deadly? Honest Food. From https://honest-food.net/wild-ginger-edible-toxic/
Thermo Fisher Scientific. (2010). Safety Data Sheet. From https://www.fishersci.com/store/msds?partNumber=AC203731000&productDescription=%28-%29-LIMONENE+92%25+100ML&vendorId=VN00032119&countryCode=US&language=en
Thermo Fisher Scientific (2023). Safety Data Sheet. From https://www.fishersci.co.uk/store/msds?partNumber=10774163&countryCode=GB&language=en
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (1994). R.E.D. Facts Limonene. From https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/jps.2600560306
Zhang, H., Ding, X., Tai, K. B., & Yu, A. W. (2017). Alternative medicine and chinese herbs and the kidney. Critical Care Nephrology, 3rd ed.; Ronco, C., Bellomo, R., Kellum, JA, Ricci, Z., Eds, 1313-1319. From https://nephros.gr/images/books/critical-care/Critical_Care_Nephrology_-_Ronco_3rd_Edition_20194-1827-1840-01-08.pdf
Medicinal Value Section
Medicinal Value Section
Hayden, W. J. (2010). 2010 Wildflower of the Year: Wild Ginger, Asarum canadense. Biology Faculty Publications. From https://scholarship.richmond.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1147&context=biology-faculty-publications
Lust, J. (1974). The Herb Book. Bantam Books. (pp.396-397).
McGrath, N. A. (2020). Phytochemical content and anti-breast cancer activity of Kentucky native plants. From https://ir.library.louisville.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1335&context=honors
Native Plant Trust Go Botany. (n.d.) Asarum canadense - Canada wild ginger. From https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/asarum/canadense/
Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Asarum canadense - L. From https://pfaf.org/User/plant.aspx?latinname=Asarum+canadense
RxList. (2021). Asarum. From https://www.rxlist.com/asarum/supplements.htm
Sam W. Hitt Medicinal Plant Gardens. (n.d.). Wild Ginger. From https://medicinalgardens.web.unc.edu/wild-ginger/
Edibility Section
Edibility Section
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2023). Asarum canadense. The University of Texas at Austin. From https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=asca
Plants for a Future. (n.d.). Asarum canadense - L. From https://pfaf.org/User/plant.aspx?latinname=Asarum+canadense
Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife. (1998). Wildflowers: Guides to Recognizing Just About Everything in Nature. Reader’s Digest Association. (pp. 17)
Stritch, L. (n.d.). Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense L.). United States Department of Agriculture. From https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/asarum_canadense.shtml
Wild Plant Culture. (2016). Wild Ginger and the Sacred Question. From https://wildplantculture.com/home/2016/11/21/wild-ginger-and-the-sacred-question
General Facts Section
General Facts Section
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (2023). Asarum canadense. The University of Texas at Austin. From https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=asca
Muenscher, W. C. (1975). Poisonous Plants of the United States. Macmilliam Publishing. (pp. 8, 63).
Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife. (1998). Wildflowers: Guides to Recognizing Just About Everything in Nature. Reader’s Digest Association. (pp. 17)
Tikkanen, A. (n.d.). Aristolochiaceae Family. Britannica. From https://www.britannica.com/plant/Aristolochiaceae
Date of page creation: April 25, 2023
Updated page: December 28, 2024
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