Nephrotoxicity of Natural Products: Aristolochic Acid and Fungal Toxins

This chapter reviews the chemistry, toxicokinetics, and biological activities of natural nephrotoxins found in certain herbs used for medicinal purposes and in fungi associated with various foodstuffs. Aristolochic acid, a human carcinogen, is notable for its selective toxicity to the proximal tubule. Ochratoxin, fumonisin B1, and citrinin are mycotoxins produced by molds that infest agricultural products, while orellanine is a proximal tubule nephrotoxin found in certain species of mushroom.