Aristolochic acid has been historically used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, particularly in formulations intended to treat arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions. It was also used in weight loss supplements and herbal remedies for skin disorders. However, due to its strong association with nephrotoxicity and urothelial cancers, its use in pharmaceuticals and herbal products has been banned or strictly regulated in most countries. Current applications are limited to research settings, where it serves as a model compound for studying chemical carcinogenesis and kidney injury.