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Pneumonitis induced by ou-gon (scullcap)
K Takeshita1, Y Saisho, K Kitamura
1Department of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo.
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|August 24, 2001
Summary
Traditional Japanese herbal medicine, otsu-ji-to, can cause interstitial pneumonia. Further testing revealed scullcap (ou-gon) as the specific causative agent, highlighting its potential for drug-induced lung injury.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Recurrent interstitial pneumonia can have various etiologies.
- Traditional herbal medicines are increasingly recognized for potential adverse effects.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old Japanese man presented with recurrent interstitial pneumonia.
- The patient had a history of using the traditional herb medicine, otsu-ji-to.
Findings:
- A provocation test identified ou-gon (scullcap) as the ingredient in otsu-ji-to responsible for inducing pneumonitis.
- Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid showed lymphocytosis with CD8+ T-cell predominance.
- Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed lymphocytic alveolitis post-provocation.
Implications:
- Ou-gon (scullcap) should be recognized as a potential cause of drug-induced pneumonitis.
- Clinicians should consider herbal medications in the differential diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases.
- Further research into the immunopathogenesis of scullcap-induced lung injury is warranted.