Studies on Scutellariae Radix. VII. Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory actions of methanolic extract and flavonoid components from Scutellariae Radix.

Abstract

A 70% methanol extract of Scutellariae Radix, the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI, and its main flavonoid components, baicalin, baicalein and wogonin, have been screened in comparison with three standard anti-inflammatory agents, phenylbutazone, indomethacin and dexamethasone, for activity in various experimental models of inflammation. All of the test substances were found to inhibit an increase in vascular permeability in mice induced by acetic acid and to reduce acute paw edema in rats induced by compound 48/80. They also suppressed the secondary lesion in developing adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Since these substances from Scutellariae Radix were found to be effective in both the acute and chronic phases of inflammation, the crude drug Scutellariae Radix can be considered as having anti-inflammatory activity.