Which herb is NOT among the FDA restricted herbs?

• A. Guan Mu Tong
• B. Guang Fang Ji
• C. Xi Xin
• D. Huang Qi

Answer: (D)

The important idea here is safety and regulatory risk linked to aristolochic acid. FDA restricted herbs are those with clear safety concerns because some Aristolochia species contain aristolochic acid, which can cause kidney failure and cancer. Both Guan Mu Tong and Guang Fang Ji are Aristolochia species and have been flagged for this risk, so they appear on restricted herb lists. Xi Xin has safety cautions as well, and in many guidelines it’s treated with extra care or restricted forms due to related toxicity concerns. Huang Qi, on the other hand, is Astragalus membranaceus and does not carry the same aristolochic acid risk, so it is not on the FDA restricted herbs list.