Which herb is among the main FDA restricted herbs?

• A. Jing Jie
• B. Guan Mu Tong
• C. Guang Fang Ji
• D. Huang Qi

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is that FDA-restricted herbs are those that contain aristolochic acid and have been linked to severe kidney damage and cancer, so they are avoided or banned in the US. Guan Mu Tong comes from an Aristolochia species, and aristolochic acid exposure has led to FDA warnings and import restrictions. That safety risk is why Guan Mu Tong is kept on the restricted list. The other herbs listed do not carry that restriction in standard practice: Jing Jie is used for exterior wind-heat, Huang Qi is a major tonifier, and Guang Fang Ji is typically Stephania tetrandra and not associated with aristolochic acid. Thus, the herb in question is the one tied to aristolochia safety concerns.