Aristolochic acid IVa ameliorates arthritis in SKG Mice by regulating macrophage polarization and Th17/Treg balance.

Background: Aristolochic acids (AAs)-containing herbs have been used as medicinal remedies for thousands of years. However, exposure to AAI and AAII increases the risk of nephropathy and cancers. Our previous study identified AAIVa, an analogue without carcinogenicity or nephrotoxicity, exerted anti-inflammatory effects.