Now, you can’t rely on herbal remedies as has no guarantee of their safety as many herbs may contain toxic or carcinogenic substances, warns researchers.

According to the study,the long term use of these remedies are actually a health hazard. These remedies can cause acid nephropathy (AAN).The report has been published in journal European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) reports.

Tens of millions of people in Taiwan and China are at risk of AAN, according to studies of patients with renal failure and cancer. 

The symptons includes interstitial nephritis, renal failure and cancers of the urinary track.

People who consumes Aristolochia may lead to the formation of complexes between aristolactam, a compound in Aristolachia, and DNA in renal tissues.

Studies have shown that this process may also lead to the development of cancer in the liver and the bladder, researchers Donald Marcus, professor emeritus at Baylor and Arthur Grollman, distinguished professor of pharmacological sciences at Stony Brook University, explained.

Further, the complexes leads to mutations in the TP53 tumour suppressor gene, which in turn starts the process toward kidney cancer.

Authors said, "the intrinsic toxicities were not recognised, owing, in large part, to the latency period between exposure and the onset of symptomatic disease, and, in part, to genetic determinants that confer susceptibility to only approximately five percent of those exposed to this herb".