Abstract
Scutellaria baicalensis has been used as a traditional herbal medicine
for bronchitis, hepatitis, and allergic diseases. The root of Scutellaria
baicalensis contains active flavonoid components, including
baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin, which have pharmaceutical
properties. In the present study, the antiallergic properties of a
standardized aqueous extract of S. baicalensis were evaluated, and
the skin toxicity of its dermal application was also determined. The in
vivo and in vitro assays were performed by using the
β-hexosaminidase assay in rat basophilic leukemia cells (RBL-2H3) and
cutaneous skin reaction in BALB/c mice, respectively. In addition, the acute
dermal irritation/corrosion test was carried out in New Zealand white
rabbits, and the skin sensitization test was conducted by Buhlerʼs method in
Hartley guinea pigs to estimate the safety of the standardized aqueous
extract of S. baicalensis for topical application.
β-Hexosaminidase release in RBL-2H3 was markedly decreased following
treatment with the standardized aqueous extract of S. baicalensis. It
also ameliorated antigen-induced ear swelling compared with the control
group in BALB/c mice. In the toxicological studies, it did not induce any
dermal irritation/corrosion in rabbits or skin sensitization in guinea pigs.
Although still limited, these results concerning the toxicological effects
of S. baicalensis could be an initial step toward the topical
application of S. baicalensis extracts on hypersensitive skin.
Key words
Scutellaria baicalensis
- Lamiaceae - topical application - skin hypersensitivity - dermal toxicity -
β-hexosaminidase
