Smilax glabra Rhizoma affects the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of methotrexate by increasing the P‑glycoprotein mRNA expression in rats after oral administration.

Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used immunosuppressant and anticancer agent with high toxicity. Smilax glabra Rhizoma (SGR) has the effect of detoxification and immunoregulation, and has been used as both food and folk medicine in many countries. Co‑administration of MTX and SGR occurs in several diseases.