PHARMACOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM THE ROOT OF SCUTELLARIA-BAICALENSIS AND ITS FLAVONOIDS ON HUMAN GINGIVAL FIBROBLAST

The methanolic extract from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and its flavonoids, wogonin, baicalein, and baicalin were evaluated f or anti-inflammatory action and the activatory effect on gingival fibr oblasts. In LPS-induced production of IL-1 beta, three flavonoids at 1 mu g/ml expressed a significant (>50%) inhibitory effect, similar to that of prednisolone. Moreover, the flavonoids inhibited IL-1 beta-ind uced synthesis of PGE(2) and LTB(4) considerably, although the effect of wogonin on LTB(4) synthesis was marginal. In addition, three flavon oids exerted a moderate inhibition (33 - 36%) of collagenolytic activi ty, comparable to 40% inhibition by tetracycline. Meanwhile, the cellu lar activity of fibroblasts was augmented remarkably (40%) by baicalei n (2) and slightly by baicalin (3) or wogonin (1). Consistent with the cellular activation, flavonoids enhanced the synthesis of both collag en and total protein in fibroblasts, in contrast to growth factors whi ch increased only the synthesis of total protein. Although the effects of the methanolic extract resembled those of the flavonoids, the extr act expressed a preferential effect on the synthesis of collagen and t otal protein.