Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Idiopathic Mesenteric Phlebosclerosis Presenting as Recurrent Diarrhea
Ling Xiao1, Hong Li2, Fei-Fan Chen3
1Department of Gastroenterology, West China Tianfu Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. xl_522522@163.com.
This study reports a rare case of idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) linked to traditional Chinese herb consumption. Findings suggest Gardenia Fructus may contribute to venous wall fibrosis and chronic intestinal ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP) is a rare condition.
- Recurrent abdominal pain and diarrhea can be symptoms of IMP.
- Traditional herbal remedies may have uncharacterized adverse effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a rare case of idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis (IMP).
- To investigate the potential link between traditional Chinese herb intake and IMP development.
- To raise awareness among clinicians regarding potential herbal remedy risks.
Main Methods:
- Clinical investigation including laboratory tests.
- Diagnostic procedures: colonoscopy, biopsy, and enhanced abdominal computed tomography angiography (CTA).
- Literature review on Gardenia Fructus and its components.
Main Results:
- A 73-year-old woman diagnosed with IMP.
- A potential association identified between long-term Gardenia Fructus intake and IMP.
- Genipin, a Gardenia Fructus component, is implicated in venous wall intimal hyperplasia and fibrosis.
Conclusions:
- Herbal intake, specifically Gardenia Fructus, should be considered a potential risk factor for IMP.
- Clinicians must be aware of the potential adverse effects of traditional herbal remedies.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms linking herbal components to vascular pathology.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:

