Baikal Skullcap Research Articles

Flavone ingredients can synergistically inhibit NDV infecting cell and improve ND vaccine's protective rate

In order to screen better flavone prescriptions of anti-Newcastle disease virus (NDV), four flavone ingredients of epimedium flavones (EF), baikal skullcap root flavones (BSRF), wild dendranthema flower flavones (WDFF), and sanchi flavones (SF) screened in previous experiments and their prescriptions were added into chicken embryo fibroblast monolayer with three drug-adding modes respectively. The cellular A570 values, the highest virus inhibitory rates and the score based on virus inhibitory rate were calculated to compare their antiviral activity. In immune protective test, the effects of three preparations (EF-BSRF, EF-SF-WDFF-BSRF and EF-WDFF-BSRF screened by the results in vitro experiment) on NDV infection were compared in chickens vaccinated with ND vaccine then challenged with NDV. Blood was regularly sampled for serum antibody titer determination. The pathogenic and dead statuses of chickens were clinically examined. The results indicated that the A570 values of the nine prescriptions, especially the foresaid three prescriptions at almost all concentrations in three drug-adding modes were significantly higher than that of the virus control group. The foresaid three prescriptions presented at the top five of the highest virus inhibitory rate, and located at the highest three of the score rank. The antibody titers and protective rates of the three prescriptions groups were higher than that of VC group, especially EF-SF-WDFF-BSRF group showed significant difference. These results indicated that flavone prescriptions composed with suitable compatibility could possess synergistical action of antiviral effect, ES-SF-WDFF-BSRF prescription could inhibit the cellular infectivity of NDV, improve the protective effect of ND vaccine and would be expected to exploit into a new-type antiviral drug.

Ligand- and Protein-Based Modeling Studies of the Inhibitors of Human Cytochrome P450 2D6 and a Virtual Screening for Potential Inhibitors from the Chinese Herbal Medicine, Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin,Baikal Skullcap)

We have previously examined the binding patterns of various substrates to human cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) using a series of molecular modeling methods. In this study, we further explored the binding modes of various types of inhibitors to CYP2D6 using a combination of ligand- and protein-based modeling approaches. Firstly, we developed and validated a pharmacophore model for CYP2D6 inhibitors, which consisted of two hydrophobic features and one hydrogen bond acceptor feature. Secondly, we constructed and validated a quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model for CYP2D6 inhibitors which gave a poor to moderate prediction accuracy. Thirdly, a panel of CYP2D6 inhibitors were subject to molecular docking into the active site of wild-type and mutated CYP2D6 enzyme. We demonstrated that 8 residues in the active site (Leu213, Glu216, Ser217, Gln244, Asp301, Ser304, Ala305, and Phe483) played an important role in the binding to the inhibitors via hydrogen bond formation and/or π-π stacking interaction. Apparent changes in the binding modes of the inhibitors have been observed with Phe120Ile, Glu216Asp, Asp301Glu mutations in CYP2D6. Finally, we screened for potential binders/inhibitors from the Chinese herbal medicine Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin, Baikal Skullcap) using the established pharmacophore model for CYP2D6 inhibitors and molecular docking approach. Overall, 18 out of 40 compounds from S. baicalensis were mapped to the pharmacophore model of CYP2D6 inhibitors and most herbal compounds from S. baicalensis could be docked into the active site of CYP2D6. Our study has provided insights into the molecular mechanisms of interaction of synthetic and herbal compounds with human CYP2D6 and further benchmarking studies are needed to validate our modeling and virtual screening results.

Effect of Baikal Skullcap Root (Scutellaria baicalensis radix) on Cholesterol Level and Meat Quality in Rabbits Fed a Cholesterol Rich Diet

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Baikal skullcap root (Scutellaria baicalensis radix) on the cholesterol level and chemical composition of the hind leg muscles of rabbits. Thirty two White New Zealand rabbits were assigned to four groups. Group C consisted of control animals which were fed a basal mixture for rabbits. Group CH received the same basal diet with a 1% (w/w) pure cholesterol supplement. Group CH+SR received the basal diet with two supplements: 1% (w/w) pure cholesterol and 9% (w/w) skullcap root. Group SR received the basal diet with a 9% (w/w) skullcap root supplement. After 6 weeks rabbits were slaughtered and, total cholesterol as well as dry matter, protein, fat, ash and pH24 were determined in samples of hind leg muscles. Using a Baikal skullcap root with hypercholesterolemic diet (group CH+SR) caused significant reduction (P < or = 0.05) in total cholesterol level in comparison with hypercholesterolemic diet (CH group). The addition of Baikal skullcap root to the food of rabbits significantly increased the muscle protein content (P < or = 0.05) in comparison with C and CH groups. Moreover, supplementation with Baikal skullcap root (CH+SR) decreased about 15.6% (P < or = 0.05) fat level in comparison to CH group. No significant effects were seen in dry matter content, ash, and pH24 value of hind leg muscles of experimental rabbits

Artificial seed preparation as the efficient method for storage and production of healthy cultured roots of medicinal plants

The technique for the refinement of pRi T-DNA-transformed root cultivation by the root fragment encapsulation in the gel coat, i.e., so-called “artificial seed” (AS) production, was studied. AS were produced from genetically transformed roots of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) and common rue (Ruta graveolens L.). The effects of duration of AS storage at 4°C on their subsequent growth activity and a capability for resumption of actively growing root cultures were analyzed. Encapsulation of contaminated Baikal skullcap root culture with the addition of antibiotic and storage during 2–5 weeks at low above-zero temperature resulted in a complete elimination of infection, i.e., obtaining the healthy root culture. Growth activity and total flavone concentration were markedly increased in this culture, so that total productivity of this renewed root culture increased substantially. Using AS produced from the root fragments of common rue, it was shown that, after long-term storage at low above-zero temperature, they are capable of not only root growth resumption but also active shoot formation, which is of interest for plant micropropagation. Long-term retaining growth activity of AS produced from root cultures of valuable medicinal plants permits their usage as a reserve and also, in the case of necessity, for long-distance transport as compact axenic root inocula. The storage of viable root fragments within AS also helps to optimize intervals between numerous subculturings of root cultures required for the maintenance of IPPRAS collection in the active state.

Baicalin Induced Dendritic Cell Apoptosis in Vitro

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of baicalin (BA), a major flavonoid constituent found in the herb Baikal skullcap, on dendritic cells (DCs). DCs were generated by culturing murine bone marrow (BM) cells for 6 days with granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin (IL)-4, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was added on day 5 to stimulate DCs maturation. The expression levels of DC maturity markers (CD80/CD86) were assessed by flow cytometry using direct immunofluorescence method. IL-12 levels in the culture supernatants were assayed by ELISA. Apoptosis of DCs was analyzed by flow cytometry after annexin V/propidium iodide staining. The mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) changes were measured by using the J-aggregate forming lipophilic cation 5,5′,6,6′-tetrachloro-1,1′,3,3′-tetraethylbenzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1). Exposure of DCs to BA (2–50 μM) during BM cell differentiation showed no effects on the up-regulation of CD80/CD86 expression on DCs in response to LPS stimulation, but reduced DCs recovery by inducing apoptosis, and significantly inhibited the release of IL-12 to culture supernatants. BA-induced DC apoptosis in a time- and dose-dependent way, and immature DCs were more sensitive for BA-induced apoptosis than mature DC. BA also induced Δψm changes in DCs. These results demonstrate that BA induces selective apoptosis in immature DCs possibly through mitochondria-mediated pathway.

Pharmacognostic study of aerial parts of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi)

A pharmacognostic study of aerial parts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae family) has been carried out. A merchandising analysis has been performed to determine the basic quality parameters of S. baicalensis. A chemical composition analysis has revealed the presence of organic acids, free carbohydrates, polysaccharides, amino acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, tannins, photosynthetic pigments, lipids, and triterpene compounds. Ethyl acetate and ethanol fractions, extracted from the aerial parts of S. baikalensis, have shown a significant antiradical activity.

Sensitivity Analysis of the Quality Evaluation System for Baikal Skullcap Root

In this paper, with the aid of a quality evaluation model, we study sensitivity analysis of the quality evaluation system for Baikal skullcap root and compute related sensitivity indices, hence determine the response of pharmacological effect under the model by varying chromatographic fingerprint data. This result is new and provides us with a feasible method for the quality evaluation of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine.

Mathematical Modelling for the Quality Evaluation of Baikal Skullcap Root

In this paper, a model for evaluating the quality of Baikal skullcap root based on the chromatographic fingerprint and pharmacological effect correlation mode was established by using multivariate polynomial fitting technique. This result is new and the accuracy of the model is tested by comparing the modeled results with the experimental data. In addition, a related piece of software was developed. This paper also provides us with a new modelling method for the quality evaluation of traditional Chinese herbal medicine.

Death from Herbal Tea: Hepatic Veno-occlusive Disease and Fulminant Hepatic Failure Secondary to Chinese Herbal Tea Ingestion

Purpose: Veno-occlusive disease (VOD) is marked by a toxic injury to the hepatic sinusoids resulting in noncirrhotic portal hypertension. The course is typically self limiting, although up to 25% can progress to fulminant hepatic failure. Multiple potential etiologies for VOD have been described. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be found in herbal supplements, have been rarely associated with VOD. Shen Chu Cha, a supplement containing multiple herbs, is considered safe and is without known toxic effects. We present the first known case of VOD complicated by hepatic failure and death associated with Shen Chu Cha consumption. Results: A 63-year-old man presented for evaluation of an enlarging abdomen. He was on no prescribed medications and had no known allergies. He reported daily Shen Chu Cha tea consumption for general good health. His exam was significant for ascites and peripheral edema without stigmata of chronic liver disease. Initial labs showed AST 155, ALT 127, alkaline phosphatase 188, bilirubin 1.6 and INR of 1.73. Serology was negative for viral and autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson's disease and hemochromatosis. An ultrasound showed a normal appearing liver, ascites, and a patent portovenous system without intra or extra hepatic biliary dilatation. A paracentesis revealed portal hypertensive ascites. A liver biopsy was consistent with acute centrilobular necrosis, without inflammation or fibrosis. An hepatic venogram demonstrated a portal pressure gradient of >30 mmHgb, without evidence of Budd-Chiari syndrome. The diagnosis of VOD was confirmed. Diuretic therapy was administered with initial clinical response. However, the patient's medical condition deteriorated with development of hepatic failure. He subsequently died prior to organ transplantation. Conclusion: Shen Chu Cha, a supplement often self-prescribed for general good health, contains multiple herbs which are not associated with hepatic toxicity. One of the ingredients is the root of Baikal skullcap. Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has been considered safe. However, skullcap harvests are often contaminated with germander. Germander contains Teucrin A, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid. This case illustrates the importance of a detailed pharmacologic history, including herbal remedies. The toxic effects of herbal supplements are frequently unexpected and under-recognized. Increased awareness of potential contamination of herbal products during harvesting is important. Physicians should continue to enhance their knowledge of herbal supplements and be prudent in monitoring for side effects.

Headspace Volatiles of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Flowers

Volatile constituents of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) flowers were isolated by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. A total of 64 constituents was identified (constituting 57.1 - 89.9 % of the total area), 13 of which were tentatively identified. β-Caryophyllene (22.3 - 41.5 %), germacrene D (12.4 - 27.5 %), δ-cadinene (3.1 - 5.4 %), γ-muurolene (1.9 - 3.4 %), γ-cadinene (1.6 - 3.1 %), α-humulene (1.6 - 2.6 %), α-copaene (1.4 - 2.3 %), α-muurolene (1.0 - 2.6 %), bicyclogermacrene (1.1 - 2.1 %) and 3-octanone (0.9 - 3.0 %) were the major constituents of the flower volatiles. A small amount (0.5 %) of the uncommon volatile, 2-(methylamino) benzaldehyde was detected in one of the samples.

Professor Ling Changquan's experience in treating primary liver cancer: an analysis of herbal medication

On the basis of outpatients' medical records concerning primary liver cancer (PLC), data of 552 patients (with 2020 effective prescriptions) from the Outpatient Department of Changhai Hospital treated by Professor Ling Changquan were collected. The nature, flavor and meridian distribution of the herbs used in the prescriptions were summarized by frequency method, and the features of the herbs used according to syndrome differentiation were analyzed by logistic regression. The couple herbs used were analyzed by cluster analysis. All the data were analyzed in combination with the experience of the specialist. It showed that most of the frequently used herbs were herbs for invigorating the spleen to promote appetite, removing toxic materials to inhibit tumor growth, and activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis. These herbs are mostly of plain or cool nature, and mainly of sweet, bitter, or acrid taste. It also showed that the most frequently used herbs for qi deficiency were Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Pseudostellariae; Caulis Spatholobi and Chinese jujube for blood asthenia; Fructus Corni and Ophiopogon japonicus for yin deficiency; Agastache rugosa, Semen Plantaginis and Poria for water-dampness; cape jasmine fruit and baikal skullcap root for heat excess; peach seed and Radix Paeoniae Rubra for blood stasis; Curcuma wenyujin, Akebia trifoliata and Bupleurum chinese for qi stagnation. A total of 19 pairs of couple herbs were summarized by the cluster analysis.

Quality Assessment and Yield of Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Grown at Multiple Locations

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is an important medicinal plant with proven bioactivity. Commercially available products in the United States containing extracts or derivatives from this plant species have been shown to lack consistency of chemical composition and bioactivity. In the United States, these issues could be solved through domestic production of skullcap. The hypothesis of this study was that Baikal skullcap grown in the Mississippi climate would accumulate sufficient bioactive flavonoids, baicalin, and baicalein in the roots to justify domestic production, and that shoots of these plants might also contain the flavonoids of interest. A replicated field experiment was conducted at four locations in Mississippi (Beaumont, Crystal Springs, Stoneville, and Verona) to test the hypothesis. The concentration of the main flavonoid, baicalin, in the roots ranged from 8.1% to 15.6%, whereas the concentration of baicalein varied from 0.2% to 1.2%. The flavonoid concentrations in the roots were similar to that of commercially available skullcap roots, and to concentrations reported in the literature. Chrysin was detected in the roots from one location. Furthermore, the flavonoids apigenin, baicalein, baicalin, chrysin, and scutellarein were detected and quantified in the skullcap shoots. Overall, yields of dry roots tended to increase from southern to northern locations. This is the first report on flavonoid accumulation in Baikal skullcap roots and shoots grown in the United States. The results from this study are promising and suggest that 1) Baikal skullcap grown in Mississippi accumulates similar amounts of baicalein and baicalin to skullcap grown in other regions and can provide up to 128 kg·ha − 1 of baicalin and up to 2.32 kg·ha− 1 of baicalein; 2) flavonoid concentration in Baikal skullcap roots and shoots, yields, and mineral concentration of roots might depend on climatic and growing conditions; and 3) Baikal skullcap could be developed as a high-value crop for Mississippi and possibly other regions of the United States. Further research is needed on skullcap production methods and economic feasibility.

Effect of baikal skullcap extract administered alone or in combination with cyclophosphamide on natural cytotoxicity system in mice with Lewis lung carcinoma.

Baikal skullcap extract was introduced into cytostatic therapy of mice with Lewis lung carcinoma. This extract potentiated the antimetastatic effect of cyclophosphamide in mice with grafted tumors. Combined treatment with cyclophosphamide and extract of Baikal skullcap modulated cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells and peritoneal macrophages during tumor growth.

Baikal skullcap extract stimulates neurite growth in cultures of rat dorsal root Ganglia.

The effect of baikal skullcap extract on the development of dorsal root ganglia from 1-2-day-old rats in organotypic cultures was studied. Baikal skullcap extract produced a dose-dependent stimulating effect on neurite growth in neurons of dorsal root ganglia.