Effect of Scutellariae Radix Extract on the Proinflammatory Mediators in Raw 264.7 Cells Induced by LPS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives：This study aims at examining the anti-inflammatory effects of Scutellariae Radix extract.Methods：Scutellariae Radix was hot water extracted to make the samples( SR) for the experiment. Their effects were examined on the increase of cell viability in mouse macrophage Raw 264.7 cells, the creation of nitric oxide(NO) in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced Raw 264.7 cells, a nd the creation of cytokines of interleukin(IL)-1β and others.Results：The results of the experiment are as follows.1. The MTT assay was carried out to check the cellular toxicity of the water extract of Scutellariae Radix. The results were found no significant toxicity caused to macrophages by the water extract of Scutellariae Radix. 2. The water extract of Scutellariae Radix significantly restricted the increase of NO in the LPS-induced macrophages after 24-hour culture. 3. The water extract of Scutellariae Radix significantly restricted the creation of IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17, interferon-inducible protein(IP)-10, keratinocyte-derived chemokine(KC), and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in the LPS-induced macrophages at the concentration of 25 ㎍/mL or higher.Conclusion：The samples(SR) of hot water extract of Scutellariae Radix caus ed no significant cellular toxicity to macrophages and significantly restricted the creation of NO, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-17, IP-10, KC, and VEGF in the LPS-induced macrophages at 25 ㎍/mL or higher, thus demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory effects.Key words：Scutellariae Radix, macrophage, cytokine, nitric oxide.