The effect of Zingiberaceae crude drug extracts on the small intestinal absorption of sulfaguanidine was investigated in the rat by the in situ recirculating perfusing method. extracts of Zingiberaceae crude drugs such as Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma, Alpiniae oxyphyllae Fructus, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Curucumae Rhizoma, Amomi Semen, Amomi rotundi Fructus, Cardamomi Fructus Zeodriae Rhizoma (from China and Yaku-shima), were prepared by use of H₂O and/or MeOH.
The absorption of sulfaguanidine was affected in various ways by these extracts.The H₂O extract of Alpiniae officinarum Rhizoma enhanced the absorption of sulfaguanidine most effectively. This extract was more effective than sodium deoxycholate which increased sulfaguanidine absorption from the rat small intestine.
These results showed that Zingiberaceae crude drugs might affect the small intestinal absorption of any other drugs.