Scutellariae Radix aggravates diclofenac sodium-induced enteropathy in mice

We have reported that the oral administration of water extract of Scutellariae Radix (SR) enhances small intestinal ulceration and intestinal bleeding in the experimental enteropathy induced by subcutaneous injections of indomethacin (INDO) in mice. The present study was carried out to examine whether SR extract or SR-containing Kampo formula exerts similar effects in diclofenac sodium (Dic)-induced enteropathy in mice. We found that small intestinal ulceration and fecal hemoglobin (Hb) excretion in Dic-treated mice were enhanced by SR extract. However, such effects were not induced by pure baicalin (>97%, w/w). Orengedokuto (OGT) did not enhance small intestinal ulceration but significantly enhanced fecal Hb excretion in Dic-treated mice. Our observations suggest a possibility that SR-containing Kampo formulas could aggravate non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced enteropathy.