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Abstract
Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. In our previous study, we found that skullcap could inhibit allergen permeation and regulate Th1/2 immune balance. To reveal the key fractions and components of skullcap, we fractionated skullcap extract into five fractions: hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water fraction. Among these fractions, the hexane fraction significantly suppressed the production of Th2-mediated cytokines (Interleukin (IL)-4, 5, 10 and 13) and increased Th1-mediated cytokines (Interferon (IFN)-γ and IL-12). Furthermore, the hexane fraction inhibited the permeation of ovalbumin (OVA), used as an allergen, across the intestinal epithelial cell monolayer. To confirm the active compounds in the hexane fraction, fatty acids were analyzed. Linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 (>59.7%)) was identified as the most important fatty acid in the skullcap hexane fraction. LA significantly suppressed IL-4 production and increased IFN-γ secretion, as well as inhibiting OVA permeation. Thus, LA significantly diminished the permeation of allergen by enhancing intestinal barrier function and regulated allergic responses to maintain Th1/Th2 immune balance.
Highlights
Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is widely used across Asia as an alternative herbal medicine owing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-viral activities [1,2]
To find the active fractions divided from the skullcap extract, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of fractions on IFN-γ (Th1-mediated main cytokine) and IL-4 (Th2-mediated main cytokine) production in splenocytes isolated from OVA-sensitized mice
We focused on the main fatty acids in the hexane fraction, such as Palmitic acid (PA), linoleic acid (LA), and linolenic acid (LNA), using criteria based on contents of >10%
Summary
Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is widely used across Asia as an alternative herbal medicine owing to its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and anti-viral activities [1,2]. It contains many active components, such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin [2,3]. These components may contribute to the physiological functionalities of skullcap. Baicalin and baicalein, the main active components, can induce regulatory T (Treg) cells, resulting in suppression of Th1, Th2, and Th17 immune responses; skullcap extract is not able to regulate the differentiation of Treg cells [6,7]. The baicalein or baicalin, as a single compound, Nutrients 2017, 9, 1184; doi:10.3390/nu9111184 www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
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