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Skullcaps (Scutellaria spp.): Ethnobotany and Current Research
Abstract
As a genus, Scutellaria designates a group of medicinal species employed for centuries as a potential cure for various ailments in many traditional medicine practices. Preparations derived from Scutellaria imbue crude drugs, concoctions, decoctions, essential oils, infusions, tinctures, tonics, and teas. Therapies are denoted as “complementary” when practiced in addition to conventional medical treatments or as “alternative” when carried out instead of conventional medical treatment. Studies have shown the designs of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies to safely and effectively treat and prevent a varied range of health conditions including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and osteoarthritis. Scutellaria, commonly known as skullcap, is represented by over 360 species belonging to the mint family Lamiaceae. The resulting forms of Scutellaria-based medicinal preparations concentrate in extracting adequate quantities of bioactive chemicals, or phytochemicals produced by plants. These phytochemicals serve in protection from predators as well as a way to ensure ecological adaptation for extreme weather survival. Further, a number of studies conducted to ascertain the role of bioactive compounds extracted from Scutellaria using in vitro and in vivo approaches have shown a lot of promise as antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties. Scutellaria species have been observed to have high amount of polyphenols, particularly flavonoids like baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, and wogonoside. Others include apigenin, chrysin, scutellarin, and scutellarien that have been extensively studied for their bioactivity using cell and animal model systems. Scutellaria genus exhibits great diversity in the presence of glandular and nonglandular trichomes on aboveground plant parts. The glandular trichomes are the organs specifically involved in chemical biosynthesis and ecophysiological adaptation and are employed as a taxonomic tool to differentiate various species.
... S. caucasica A. Ham. is known in the traditional American medicine against viral infections (Li et al., 2000). In addition, different uses are described for Scutellaria species coming from other regions of the World (Kosakowska, 2017;Sripathi and Ravi, 2017;Irvin et al., 2019). ...
... Regarding the biological activity, no published study is reported about this species. On the contrary, studies were conducted on the pharmacological activity of some compounds isolated from congeneric species (Irvin et al., 2019). ...
In the context of a wide research project, a micromorphological and phytochemical characterization was performed on the vegetative and reproductive organs of Scutellaria caucasica A. Ham. (Lamiaceae), cultivated at the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (Toscolano Maderno, BS, Lombardy, Italy). The morphological survey revealed the presence of both non-glandular and glandular trichomes. The latter belonged to three different morphotypes: peltate, short-stalked and long-stalked capitate. Histochemical assays demonstrated that the terpenes biosynthesis mainly took place in the peltates, while short-stalked capitates secreted only polysaccharides; the long-stalked ones mainly produced polysaccharides, coupled with terpene and polyphenolic fractions. An element of novelty was represented by the characterization of the VOC emission profile. Leaves and flowers showed differences in their emissions: the floral profile had a higher number of compounds than that of the leaves (37 vs 29), with a higher heterogeneity. The almost totality of the leaf profile was characterized by sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (98.8%), while the flowers presented a more varied composition, with sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (87.2%), monoterpenes (10.4% oxygenated, 1.8% hydrocarbons) and non-terpenes derivatives (0.6%). The most abundant compounds were γ-muurolene (42.6%) and β-caryophyllene (35.0%) in the leaves and in the flowers, respectively. In the flower headspace, 16 exclusive compounds were identified, among which germacrene D (31.7%) dominated; leaves had 8 exclusive compounds, with valencene (1.8%) as the most represented one. 21 common compounds were revealed: β-caryophyllene (34.1% leaves; 35.0% flowers), α-humulene (3.0% leaves; 3.1% flowers), alloaromadendrene (2.4% leaves; 1.0% flowers), α-copaene (2.1% leaves; 2.7% flowers) and β-copaene (2.2% leaves; 1.5% flowers) were the most abundant ones. γ-Muurolene relative abundances (42.6% leaves; 0.7% flowers) were very different between the two profiles.
Overall, this work represented the first multidisciplinary study on S. caucasica, combining a scientific research approach with the policies of the Open Science.
... When considering medicine (from a traditional or modern system), safety is of utmost importance [237]. However, as stated earlier, most people carry a misconception that medicines derived from nature are safe when, in reality, some medicinal plants/herbs can be naturally toxic when used in certain age groups and/or for a definite period of time [238]. One such example is the chronic use of Ephedra Sp. [Mormon tea], which has documented toxic effects in children [239]. ...
Background
The use of herbal medicines is on the rise throughout the world due to their perceived safety profile. However, incidences of herb-drug, herb-herb and herb-food interactions considering safety aspects have opened new arenas for discussion.
Objective
The current study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the various types of herb interactions, the mechanisms involved, their assessment, and historical developments, keeping herbal safety at the central point of discussion.
Methods
The authors undertook a focused/targeted literature review and collected data from various databases, including Science Direct, Wiley Online Library, Springer, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Conventional literature on herbal remedies, such as those by the WHO and other international or national organizations.
Results
The article considered reviewing the regulations, interaction mechanisms, and detection of herb-herb, herb-drug and herb-food interactions in commonly used yet vital plants, including Glycyrrhiza glabra, Mentha piperita, Aloe barbadensis, Zingiber officinale, Gingko biloba, Withania somnifera, etc. The study found that healthcare professionals worry about patients not informing them about their herbal prescriptions (primarily used with conventional treatment), which can cause herb-drug/herb-food/herb-herb interactions. These interactions were caused by altered pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic processes, which might be explained using in-vivo, in-vitro, in-silico, pharmacogenomics, and pharmacogenetics. Nutrivigilance may be the greatest method to monitor herb-food interactions, but its adoption is limited worldwide.
Conclusion
This article can serve as a lead for clinicians, guiding them regarding herb-drug, herb-food, and herb-herb interactions induced by commonly consumed plant species. Patients may also be counseled to avoid conventional drugs, botanicals, and foods with a restricted therapeutic window.
... Some Scutellaria taxa used in Iranian traditional medicine include Scutellaria lindbergii, Scutellaria litwinowii, Scutellaria luteocaerulea, Scutellaria platystegia, and Scutellaria pinnatifida ssp. alpina (8). Scutellaria platystegia Juz. ...
Background: Scutellaria platystegia Juz. is an herbaceous perennial, distributed in the northwest of Iran and southern Caucasian countries? Objectives: This study aimed to examine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the aerial part of S. platystegia and to determine the phytochemical constituents of its extract and essential oil. Methods: The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods were used to examine the antioxidant effects of fractions obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial part of S. platystegia. The antibacterial activity screening was also performed using the disk diffusion and microdilution methods. The phytochemical constituents of the most active fractions were investigated using column chromatography. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging and UV-Vis spectral analysis were used to determine the chemical structure of the isolated compounds. The GC-MS technique was also employed to identify the essential oil composition of the plant. Results: In the antioxidant activity assay, the n-butanol fraction was the most potent fraction, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 16.14 ± 0.8 µg/mL on the DPPH assay and 736.4 ± 4.6 mmol FeSO4.7H2O equivalent per gram of sample on the FRAP assay. The n-butanol fraction exhibited very strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Shigella dysenteriae (inhibition zone diameter: 20 - 25 mm, MIC: 125 - 250 µg/mL). The phytochemical analysis of the most active fractions resulted in the isolation of the following components from the chloroform fraction: 5,7,2'-trihydroxy-8,6'-dimethoxyflavone; 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,2',6'-pentamethoxyflavone; 5,2',6'-trihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone; 5,2',6'-trihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone; and 5,4'-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone. Besides, the following components were extracted from the n-butanol fraction: luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside; verbascoside; apigenin; kaempferol; caffeic acid; rosmarinic acid; apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside; apigenin-7-O-β-D-(-6''-(E)-caffeoyl)-glucopyranoside; and luteolin. Fourteen compounds were also identified in the plant essential oil; terpinen-4-ol (44.41%), α-terpineol (10.75%), caryophyllene oxide (9.61%), and thymol (8.73%) were the main compounds. Conclusions: This study introduced S. platystegia as a plant rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, with considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, it can be suggested as a potential candidate to be evaluated in future biological studies.
... The genus Scutellaria belongs to the Lamiaceae family enriches with flavonoids and has antifibrillation, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities [19]. Scutellaria pinnatifida (S. pinnatifida), known as Boshghabi [20], is an Iranian species of the Scutellaria genus. ...
The dangerous self-assembled and infectious seeds of α-synuclein (αSN) play primary roles in Parkinson's disease. Accordingly, the inhibition of αSN fibrillation and elimination of toxic aggregates are the main therapeutic strategies. Skullcapflavone II (S.FII), a compound isolated from S. pinnatifida, has shown multiple neuroprotective features. Herein, we demonstrated that S.FII inhibited αSN aggregation with IC50 of 7.2 μM. It increased nucleation time and decreased fibril elongation rate and the species formed in the presence of S.FII were unable to act as seeds. Additionally, S.FII inhibited both secondary nucleation and seeding of αSN and disaggregated the mature preformed fibrils as well. The species formed in the presence of S.FII showed less toxicity. It also preserved neurite length and dopamine content of SH-SY5Y cells and attenuated the inflammatory responses in mixed glial cells. The Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) analysis indicated that S.FII interacts with αSN. Docking simulation studies on αSN fibrils revealed that S.FII could interact with the key residues of the salt bridges and glutamine ladder, which might lead to the destruction of fibril's structures. We also showed that S.FII passes through the blood-brain barrier in vitro and in vivo. Overall, these findings elucidate the neuroprotective roles of S.FII in reducing αSN pathogenicity.
... The genus Scutellaria is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) that has been valued for its phytochemicals and their bioactivity (Joshee et al., 2002;Shang et al., 2010;Irvin et al., 2019). Scutellaria species include herbaceous annuals and perennials that grow best in partial shade / full sunlight, and well-drained soil with limited nutrients (Similien et al., 2012;Shiwakotiet al., 2016). ...
... Pharmacological studies have confirmed that total extracts or isolated flavonoids from Scutellaria species possess anti-lipoperoxidation, anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory [3], antitumor [4][5][6], anticancer [7], neuroprotective [8] antithrombotic, antioxidant [9,10], hepatoprotective, antibacterial [11], and antiviral [2] activities. A recent review details ethnobotanical knowledge surrounding various Scutellaria species from different parts of the world and current ongoing biomedical studies [12]. Extracts from various parts of Scutellaria species possess antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral effects [13]. ...
We report the development of in vitro propagation protocols through an adventitious shoot induction pathway for a rare and medicinal Scutellaria havanensis. In vitro propagation studies using nodal explants showed MS medium supplemented with 10 µM 6-Benzylaminopurine induced the highest number of adventitious shoots in a time-dependent manner. A ten-day incubation was optimum for shoot bud induction as longer exposures resulted in hyperhydricity of the explants and shoots induced. We also report preliminary evidence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105-mediated gene transfer transiently expressing the green fluorescent protein in this species. Transformation studies exhibited amenability of various explant tissues, internode being the most receptive. As the plant has medicinal value, research was carried out to evaluate its potential antioxidant capacity and the efficacy of methanolic leaf extracts in curbing the viability of human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. Comparative total polyphenol and flavonoid content measurement of fresh and air-dried leaf extract revealed that the fresh leaf extracts contain higher total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The HCT 116 cell viability was assessed by colorimetric assay using a 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, showed a steady growth inhibition after 24 h of incubation. Scanning electron microscopy of leaf surface revealed a high density of glandular and non-glandular trichomes. This research provides a basis for the conservation of this rare plant and future phytochemical screening and clinical research.
... Pharmacological studies have confirmed that total extracts or isolated flavonoids from Scutellaria species possess anti-lipoperoxidation, anti-platelet, antiinflammatory (Lee et al., 2003), antitumor (Li-Weber, 2009;Parajuli et al., 2011;Dandawate et al., 2012), anticancer (Patel et al., 2013), neuroprotective (Gaire et al., 2012) antithrombotic, antioxidant (Huang et al., 2006;Vaidya et al., 2013), hepatoprotective, antibacterial (Tayarani-Najarani et al., 2012), and antiviral (Shang et al., 2010) activities. A recent review details ethnobotanical knowledge surrounding various Scutellaria species from different parts of the world and current ongoing biomedical studies (Irvin et al., 2019). Extracts from various parts of Scutellaria species possess antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antibacterial and antiviral effects (Wu et al., 2013). ...
We report the development of in vitro propagation protocols through adventitious shoot induction pathway for a rare and medicinal Scutellaria havanensis. In vitro propagation studies using nodal explants showed MS medium supplemented with 10µM 6-Benzylaminopurine induced highest number of adventitious shoots in a time dependent manner. A ten - day incubation was optimum for shoot bud induction as longer exposures resulted in hyperhydricity of the explants and shoots induced. We also report preliminary evidence of Agrobacterium tumefaciens EHA105 - mediated gene transfer transiently expressing of green fluorescent protein in this species. Transformation studies exhibited amenability of various explant tissues, internode being the most receptive. As the plant has medicinal value, research was carried out to evaluate its potential antioxidant capacity and the efficacy of methanolic leaf extracts in curbing the viability of human colorectal cancer cell line HCT116. Comparative total polyphenol, and flavonoid content measurement of fresh and air dried leaf extract revealed that the fresh leaf extracts contain higher total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The HCT 116 cell viability assessed by colorimetric assay using a 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, showed a steady growth inhibition after 24 hours of incubation. Scanning Electron Microscopy of leaf surface revealed high density of glandular and non-glandular trichomes. This research provides basis for the conservation of this rare plant and future phytochemical screening and clinical research.
... The genus Scutellaria (family Lamiaceae), is used in traditional medical systems throughout Asia, Europe and North American countries (Paton, 1990;Cole et al., 2008;Shang et al., 2010;Joshee et al., 2012;Irvin et al., 2019). Scutellaria alpina L., (Alpine skullcap) grows in central and southern Europe and Russia and Scutellaria altissima L. (Somerset skullcap; tall skullcap) is a perennial herb from the mountainous regions of South Europe, East Asia and South America (Grzegorczyk-Karolak;Wysokińska, 2013). ...
ABSTRACT
Nodal explants of medicinal Scutellaria alpina L. and Scutellaria altissima L. were studied for in vitro adventitious shoot
induction, rooting, acclimatization and synseed production. Shoot induction was studied using Murashige and Skoog medium
supplemented with four cytokinins individually in combination with one of the two auxins, naphthalene acetic acid or
2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. In both species, highest number of shoots were induced in the treatment containing 10 µM
6-benzylaminopurine and 0.1 µM naphthalene acetic acid. Short- term conservation of 0.2-0.3 mm long nodal explants with
axillary buds was tested by forming synthetic seeds and storing at 4±2 oC for up to eight weeks. Optimization of synseed
production was done by testing five concentrations of sodium alginate and two concentrations of calcium chloride, allowing
30 min for polymerization. For S. alpina, synseeds prepared by combining 3% sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride
and for S. altissima combining 3.5% sodium alginate and 100 mM calcium chloride resulted in 100% and 75% regeneration of
explants, after three weeks of culture on Murashige and Skoog medium, respectively. Activated charcoal in the rooting medium
increased root number in regenerated plants. Elongated shoots were rooted, acclimatized and successfully transferred to the
greenhouse. These plants were acclimatized and established ex vitro and were morphologically identical to the mother plants.
Index terms: Conservation; encapsulation; medicinal plant; Skullcap; synthetic seed.
... Moreover, its infusion and decoction are considered remedies against tumor and haemorrhoids and show astringent properties (Cakilicio glu and T€ urko glu 2010). Other uses are described for Scutellaria species from many other places in the world (Kosakowska 2017;Irvin et al. 2019). ...
A micromorphological and phytochemical survey was performed on Scutellaria brevibracteata subsp. subvelutina cultivated in Italy. The indumentum of the vegetative and reproductive organs was investigated: peltate, short-, medium-and long-stalked capitates were described. Histochemistry evidenced similar results for pel-tates and long-stalked capitates, differences for short and medium capitates. For the first time, this work reported the characterization of volatile organic compounds from leaves and flowers, along with the first analysis of the essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Italian samples. The floral profile resulted more complex than the foliar one, due to the higher number of the total compounds (40 vs 27) and of the exclusive constituents (24 vs 11). 16 common compounds were detected, with b-caryophyllene as the most abundant. The essential oil was characterized by 23 compounds, with b-caryophyllene dominating. The peltates, the medium and the long-stalked capitates resulted the producers of the investigated compounds. ARTICLE HISTORY
Inflammation is a biological response of multicellular organisms caused by injuries, pathogens or irritants. An excessive inflammatory response can lead to tissue damage and various chronic diseases. Chronic inflammation is a common feature of many diseases, making the search for drugs to treat inflammation-related diseases urgent. Scutellarin, a natural flavonoid metabolite, is widely used in the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases for its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. Scutellarin can inhibit key inflammatory pathways (PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and NF-κB, etc.) and activate the anti-oxidant related pathways (Nrf2, ARE, ect.), thereby protecting tissues from inflammation and oxidative stress. Modern extraction technologies, such as microwave-assisted, ultrasound assisted, and supercritical fluid extraction, have been utilized to extract scutellarin from Scutellaria and Erigeron genera. These technologies improve efficiency and retain biological activity, making scutellarin suitable for large-scale production. Scutellarin has significant therapeutic effects in treating osteoarthritis, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney injury, and cardiovascular diseases. However, due to its low bioavailability and short half-life, its clinical application is limited. Researchers are exploring innovative formulations (β-cyclodextrin polymers, triglyceride mimetic active ingredients, and liposome precursors, etc.) to improve stability and absorption rates. Despite these challenges, the potential of scutellarin in anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer applications remains enormous. By optimizing formulations, exploring combination therapies, and conducting in-depth mechanistic research, scutellarin can play an important role in treating various inflammatory diseases, providing patients with more and effective treatment options.
Essential oils have many important biological properties, including antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. These unique properties make, essential oils good alternatives to synthetic chemical drugs, which have many side effects. In this study, we aimed to determine the chemical composition and biological activity of the essential oil obtained from Scutellaria brevibracteata subsp. brevibracteata. Specifically, its antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 biofilms using XTT assay. Cytotoxic and apoptotic properties of the essential oil were investigated in human lung cancer cells (A540 and H1299) using MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC and propidium iodide staining and q-PCR. Thirty-two different compounds were identified from the essential oil, of which elemol (20.42%), γ-eudesmol (20.12%) and β-eudesmol (14.85%) were the main components. The essential oil was more effective against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilm (79%) than S. aureus ATCC 29213 biofilm (27%). The specific activity of the essential oil against P. aeruginosa biofilm may be related to its high terpene contents. In addition, the essential oil showed high cytotoxic activity towards A549 (IC50 9.09 µg/ml) and H1299 (IC50 55.04 µg/ml) cell lines, inducing apoptosis in these cancer cells. These results demonstrate the antibiofilm and anticancer activities of S. brevibracteata subsp. brevibracteata essential oil.
Plants of the genus Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) have a wide variety of bioactive secondary metabolites with diverse biological properties, e.g., anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antioxidant, antiviral, and antitumor activities. The chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extracts, obtained from dried plants of S. incarnata, S. coccinea, and S. ventenatii × S. incarnata, was determined by UHPLC/ESI-Q-Orbitrap-MS. The flavones were found in a higher proportion. Baicalin and dihydrobaicalein-glucuronide were the major extract components in S. incarnata (287.127 ± 0.005 mg/g and 140.18 ± 0.07 mg/g), in S. coccinea (158.3 ± 0.34 mg/g and 51.20 ± 0.02 mg/g), and in S. ventenatii × S. incarnata (186.87 ± 0.01 mg/g and 44.89 ± 0.06 mg/g). The S. coccinea extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in the four complementary techniques employed to evaluate all extracts: ORAC (3828 ± 3.0 µmol Trolox®/g extract), ABTS+• (747 ± 1.8 µmol Trolox®/g extract), online HPLC-ABTS+• (910 ± 1.3 µmol Trolox®/g extract), and β-carotene (74.3 ± 0.8 µmol Trolox®/g extract).
Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), which contains over 350 species, usually known as skullcaps, is found throughout Europe, the United States, and East Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, several species are used to wipe out heat-evil and remove surface ills (TCM). The current study examines the ethnopharmacology, biological activity, and chemical substances associated with Scutellaria species. More than 295 chemicals, including flavonoids and diterpenes, have been identified. Scutellaria and its active principles have been shown in studies to have a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifeedant, phytotoxic, acaricidal toxicity, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antianalgesic activities. Currently, effective monomeric compounds or active components from Scutellaria have been evaluated for pharmacological action in vivo and in vitro. More data facilitates applications and exploitation of novel medication development.
Within an Open Science project, a research was carried out to describe to the public of the Ghirardi Botanic Garden (BS, Lombardy, Italy), the invisible features of plants. This work is dedicated to Scutellaria altissima L. (Lamiaceae).
Micromorphological, histochemical and phytochemical investigations were conducted on the vegetative and reproductive organs to correlate the structures involved in the emission of substances and their peculiar productivity. This work reported the volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles of leaves and flowers and the composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained from the aerial parts of plants cultivated in Italy, never described before.
Three morphotypes of glandular trichomes were observed: peltates, short‐stalked capitates, long‐stalked capitates. Peltates were the main producers of terpenes, short‐stalked capitates of polysaccharides, long‐stalked capitates of terpenes and polyphenols. The leaf VOC profile showed a heterogeneous composition, with non‐terpene derivatives as the major chemical class (71.04%), while monoterpene hydrocarbons represented almost the totality of the flower (99.73%). The leaf presented a higher number of total (37vs11) and exclusive compounds (33vs7). (Z)‐3‐Hexenol acetate was the most abundant in the leaf, (E)‐β‐ocimene in the flower. Four common compounds were detected: β‐pinene, β‐caryophyllene, γ‐muurolene, germacrene‐D. The EO showed 21 compounds, dominated by β‐caryophyllene, linalool and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone.
This research allowed us to correlate the morphotypes of the secreting structures with the production of secondary metabolites, with the aim to propose to the public of the Ghirardi Botanic Garden a dedicated iconographic apparatus, which accounts for the olfactory perception linked to S. altissima.
Scutellaria, or skullcaps, are medicinally important herbs in China, India, Japan, and elsewhere. Though Scutellaria is the second largest and one of the more taxonomically challenging genera within Lamiaceae, few molecular systematic studies have been undertaken within the genus; in part due to a paucity of available informative markers. The lack of informative molecular markers for Scutellaria hinders our ability to accurately and robustly reconstruct phylogenetic relationships, which hampers our understanding of the diversity, phylogeny, and evolutionary history of this cosmopolitan genus. Comparative analyses of 15 plastomes, representing 14 species of subfamily Scutellarioideae, indicate that plastomes within Scutellarioideae contain about 151,000 nucleotides, and possess a typical quadripartite structure. In total, 590 simple sequence repeats, 489 longer repeats, and 16 hyper-variable regions were identified from the 15 plastomes. Phylogenetic relationships among the 14 species representing four of the five genera of Scutellarioideae were resolved with high support values, but the current infrageneric classification of Scutellaria was not supported in all analyses. Complete plastome sequences provide better resolution at an interspecific level than using few to several plastid markers in phylogenetic reconstruction. The data presented here will serve as a foundation to facilitate DNA barcoding, species identification, and systematic research within Scutellaria, which is an important medicinal plant resource worldwide.
Plants of the Lamiaceae family are important ornamental, medicinal, and aromatic plants, many of which produce essential oils that are used in traditional and modern medicine, and in the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industry. Various species of the genera Hyssopus, Leonurus, Mentha, Nepeta, Origanum, Perovskia, Phlomis, Salvia, Scutellaria, and Ziziphora are widespread throughout the world, are the most popular plants in Uzbek traditional remedies, and are often used for the treatment of wounds, gastritis, infections, dermatitis, bronchitis, and inflammation. Extensive studies of the chemical components of these plants have led to the identification of many compounds, as well as essentials oils, with medicinal and other commercial values. The purpose of this review is to provide a critical overview of the literature surrounding the traditional uses, ethnopharmacology, biological activities, and essential oils composition of aromatic plants of the family Lamiaceae, from the Uzbek flora.
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) causes sinusitis. The general treatment of S. pneumonia sinusitis is by using antibiotics; however, one of their serious problems is the attenuation of their effect. Shin’iseihaito (Xinyiqingfeitang), a formula of Japanese traditional Kampo medicine, has been used for the treatment of sinusitis in Japan. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Shin’iseihaito against S. pneumoniae -caused sinusitis in mice. Oral administration of Shin’iseihaito extract (SSHT) decreased the nasal colonization of S. pneumoniae in both prophylactic and therapeutic treatments, respectively, and the former was more effective than the latter. Histopathological analysis revealed that the epithelial tissue from S. pneumoniae -infected nose under SSHT treatment recovered the tissue destruction in comparison to infected nose. We also confirmed this result by scanning electron microscopic analysis. Murine peritoneal macrophages from SSHT-treated mice had significant phagocytic activity in comparison to those from untreated group. We also found that tumor necrosis factor- α , interleukin-1 β , interleukin-6, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels and the migration of macrophages from S. pneumoniae -infected mice with the treatment with SSHT were increased compared to those from untreated group. Our data suggest that Shin’iseihaito may be useful for the treatment of S. pneumoniae -induced sinusitis.
Multicellular glandular trichomes are epidermal outgrowths characterized by the presence of a head made of cells that have the ability to secrete or store large quantities of specialized metabolites. Our understanding of the transcriptional control of glandular trichome initiation and development is still in its infancy. This review points to some central questions that need to be addressed to better understand how such specialized cell structures arise from the plant protodermis. A key and unique feature of glandular trichomes is their ability to synthesize and secrete large amounts, relative to their size, of a limited number of metabolites. As such, they qualify as true cell factories, making them interesting targets for metabolic engineering. In this review, recent advances regarding terpene metabolic engineering are highlighted, with a special focus on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). In particular, the choice of transcriptional promoters to drive transgene expression and the best ways to sink existing pools of terpene precursors are discussed. The bioavailability of existing pools of natural precursor molecules is a key parameter and is controlled by so-called cross talk between different biosynthetic pathways. As highlighted in this review, the exact nature and extent of such cross talk are only partially understood at present. In the future, awareness of, and detailed knowledge on, the biology of plant glandular trichome development and metabolism will generate new leads to tap the largely unexploited potential of glandular trichomes in plant resistance to pests and lead to the improved production of specialized metabolites with high industrial or pharmacological value.
Scutellarin (1) has been widely used to treat acute cerebral infarction in clinic, but poor aqueous solubility decreases its bioavailability. Interestingly, scutellarin (1) could be metabolized into scutellarein (2) in vivo. In this study, a sulfonic group was introduced at position C-8 of scutellarein (2) to enhance the aqueous solubility of the obtained derivative (3). DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl)-radical scavenging ability and antithrombic activity were also conducted to determine its bioactivity. The result showed that scutellarein derivate (3) could be a better agent for ischemic cerebrovascular disease treatment.
Korean Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi has been widely used in Korean folk medicines for its range of medicinal benefits, including its anticancer effect. The aim of the present study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of action of a flavonoid extract from Korean Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (FSB) on AGS human gastric cancer cells (gastric adenocarcinoma) in which FSB exhibits an anticancer effect. Treatment of AGS cells with FSB significantly inhibited cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, FSB significantly increased the proportion of cells in sub-G 1 phase, and Annexin V and Hoechst 33258 fluorescent staining confirmed the apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, western blotting results identified that treatment of AGS cells with FSB significantly downregulated the expression of caspase family members, namely procaspases 3 and 9, and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and subsequently upregulated cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved PARP. It was observed that FSB treatment significantly decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential of AGS cells. In addition, the ratio of the mitochondrion-associated proteins B cell lymphoma 2-associated X protein and B cell lymphoma extra large was upregulated. The results of the present study provide novel insight into the underlying molecular mechanism of the anticancer effects of FSB on AGS human gastric cancer cells and indicate that FSB may be an alternative chemotherapeutic agent for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Introduction: Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) is an important medicinal plant, indigenous to Asia. Due to a wide range of pharmacological activities, its roots has been used for ages in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Recently, the species has become an object of interest of Western medicine, as well. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the variability of Baikal skullcap population originated from Mongolia and cultivated in Poland, in terms of content and composition of flavonoids in the roots. Methods: The objects of the study were 15 individual plants, selected within examined population and cloned in order to obtain a sufficient amount of raw material. The total content of flavonoids in roots was determined according to Polish Pharmacopeia 6
A practical and economical five-step synthesis of the flavone scutellarein has been achieved in 60% overall yield using the available and cheap 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone as starting material. The reaction sequence involved reduction to the corresponding quinol, Friedel-Crafts acetylation, Claisen-Schmidt condensation with p-methoxybenzaldehyde, cyclisation and demethylation. The procedure is operationally simple and amenable to scale-up synthesis.
A medicinally important plant Scutellaria discolor (family Lamiaceae) was studied for in vitro rapid multiplication and callus induction. Cotyledons with shoot tip were found to be the most responsive explant in Murashige and Skoog medium based experiments. Maximum multiple shoot production was observed in the treatment containing l mg/L BAP and 0.1 mg/L NAA. From one explant, 15-20 shoots can be obtained within a period of ten weeks. These shoots (six to eight leaves) produce roots in two to three weeks when placed in non-sterile sand. Plants were hardened by gradually exposing them to the external atmosphere and then transferred to earthen pots. In the next 12 to 15 weeks of time these plants flowered and seed set was observed. Three auxins (NAA, 2, 4-D and IAA) at various concentrations were used individually for callus induction and 2,4-D was found to be most suitable.
Different types of fermented foods such as chongkukjang, doenjang, ganjang, gochujang, and kimchi are plentifully available and widely consumed in north eastern Asian countries including Korea. Among them, kimchi is one of the most popular Korean traditional food. It is prepared by fermenting the baechu cabbage together with other vegetables and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with functional potential. Many types of ingredients are added to kimchi to enhance its taste, flavor, nutritional value, texture etc. A number of bacteria are involved in the fermentation of kimchi, but LAB are the dominant species in the fermentation process. The addition of other sub ingredients and formation of different by-products during fermentation eventually leads to eradication of putrefactive and pathogenic bacteria, and also increase the functionalities, nutritional and nutraceutical potential of kimchi. Kimchi possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, probiotic properties, cholesterol reduction, and antiaging properties. In the present review an attempt has been made to review the different types of fermented foods found in the Korean peninsula with detailed scientific research regarding preparation, processing, structure of the microecosystem, and health benefits of kimchi.
Medicinal plants are globally valuable sources of herbal products, and they are disappearing at a high speed. This article reviews global trends, developments and prospects for the strategies and methodologies concerning the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plant resources to provide a reliable reference for the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants. We emphasized that both conservation strategies (e.g. in situ and ex situ conservation and cultivation practices) and resource management (e.g. good agricultural practices and sustainable use solutions) should be adequately taken into account for the sustainable use of medicinal plant resources. We recommend that biotechnical approaches (e.g. tissue culture, micropropagation, synthetic seed technology, and molecular marker-based approaches) should be applied to improve yield and modify the potency of medicinal plants.
A total of 135 [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] finishing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 44.2 ± 2.23 kg were used in this 12-wk trial to evaluate the effects of an herbal extract mixture (Scutellaria baicalensis and Lonicera japonica, HEM) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and meat quality. The dietary treatments were supplemented with 0, 0.025% and 0.05% HEM, respectively. There were 9 replications per treatment with 5 pigs per pen. During 1–6 wk, the inclusion of HEM linearly increased (p < 0.05) the final BW and average daily gain (ADG). During 7–12 wk, dietary HEM supplementation led to a greater (linear, p < 0.05) final BW at the end of 12 wk. Throughout the experiment, the overall ADG and gain:feed ratio were increased (linear, p < 0.05) in pigs fed HEM supplemental diet. The administration of HEM improved (linear, p < 0.05) the nutrient digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and energy. Providing HEM diet also reduced (linear, p < 0.05) the serum cortisol concentration. Furthermore, the inclusion of graded levels of HEM linearly increased (p < 0.01) the pH of meat, and the 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were linearly decreased (p < 0.05) by HEM supplementation. Taken together, administration of HEM (0.025% and 0.05%) could improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility, decrease serum cortisol levels, as well as benefit the meat quality in finishing pigs.
Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, or Chinese skullcap, has been widely used as a medicinal plant in China for thousands of years, where the preparation from its roots is called Huang-Qin. It has been applied in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, hemorrhaging, insomnia, inflammation and respiratory infections. Flavones such as baicalin, wogonoside and their aglycones baicalein wogonin are the major bioactive compounds extracted from the root of S. baicalensis. These flavones have been reported to have various pharmacological functions, including anti-cancer, hepatoprotection, antibacterial and antiviral, antioxidant, anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects. In this review, we focus on clinical applications and the pharmacological properties of the medicinal plant and the flavones extracted from it. We also describe biotechnological and metabolic methods that have been used to elucidate the biosynthetic pathways of the bioactive compounds in Scutellaria. © 2016 Science China Press and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg
Background:
The traditional markets in southern Ecuador and within the Andean region are especially important for plant resource trading among local people, even since before Spanish colonization; therefore, ethnobotanical studies are currently necessary and important. These strategic spaces persist for the traditional medicine cultural value reflected in the higher consumption of medicinal plants, which span all socioeconomic levels of rural and urban people. The purpose of this study includes the following: 1) to create a novel list of medicinal plants sold at 33 traditional markets; 2) to establish medicinal plant use agreement amongst vendors with the Factor of Informant Consensus (FIC); and 3) to determine the most sold medicinal plant species using the Fidelity Level (FL).
Methods:
This study focus on traditional markets ethnobotany utilizes the largest sample of medicinal plants market vendors up to date in Ecuador, interviewing them at 33 traditional markets, located within the Loja province. In order to determine the most sold medicinal plants and their ethnobotanical information, structured questionnaires and personal conversations were conducted with 196 medicinal plant vendors, and voucher specimens were created. Agreement among vendors about the therapeutic use of medicinal plants was measured using the FIC, and the most sold medicinal plant species were assessed with the FL.
Results and discussion:
This research registered 160 medicinal plant species, grouped in 126 genera and 57 families that were sold in 33 traditional markets. The uses of medicinal plants in southern Ecuador are related to a long history of traditional medicine health practices that has persisted until today as well as high plant diversity. The 53 therapeutic uses recorded were grouped into 12 medical categories that were adapted from the World Health Organization. Three medical categories shared the highest value for FIC = 0.92, which showed a high level of agreement of market vendors for 57 medicinal plant species sold to treat ailments related with digestive, dermatological, and sensorial systems. The FL index determined 11 culturally important medicinal plant species based on the reported uses by 40 or more market vendors. Two medicinal plant species had an FL = 100 %, Matricaria recutita and Gaiadendrum punctatum, used to treat digestive and respiratory systems ailments.
Conclusions:
In the Loja province, people continue to consume medicinal plant species sold at local markets to treat somatic and/or psychosomatic health ailments because sociocultural customs are strongly expressed in ancestral practices of wellbeing. When the largest values of FL (60.5 %-100 %) and FIC (0.81-0.92) indexes are combined, they demonstrated agreement among 196 market vendors in the use of seven medicinal plant species that were most sold for the 12 medical categories. This study stresses how important public policies are for the trade and quality of medicinal plant resources, particularly for local people practicing auto-medication. Reasons for the maintenance of traditional markets in southern Ecuador include lower cost of medicinal plants, confidence in traditional medicine, and/or sociocultural environment. In Ecuador, the sustainable management of wild medicinal plants diversity, particularly the most sold, is crucial for its conservation in nature.
Chunghyul-dan
(CHD) is a herbal complex containing 80% ethanol extract and is composed of
Scutellariae Radix
,
Coptidis Rhizoma
,
Phellodendri Cortex
,
Gardeniae Fructus
, and
Rhei Rhizoma
. We have published several experimental and clinical research articles on CHD. It has shown antilipidemic, antihypertensive, antiatherosclerotic, and inhibitory effects on ischemic stroke recurrence with clinical safety in the previous studies. The antilipidemic effect of CHD results from 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and pancreatic lipase-inhibitory activity. The antihypertensive effect likely results from the inhibitory effect on endogenous catecholamine(s) release and harmonization of all components showing the antihypertensive effects. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on endothelial cells are implicated to dictate the antiatherosclerotic effects of CHD. It also showed neuroprotective effects on cerebrovascular and parkinsonian models. These effects of CHD could be helpful for the prevention of the recurrence of ischemic stroke. Therefore, we suggest that CHD could be a promising medication for treating and preventing cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. However, to validate and better understand these findings, well-designed clinical studies are required.
Flavonoids play an important role in the treatment of various diseases, as they are able to inhibit reactive oxygen species, which cause damage to cells and tissues which may lead to increased risk of inflammatory diseases. Baicalin and baicalein, two flavonoids found in the roots of
Scutellaria baicalensis
, in the leaves of
Thymus vulgaris
and
Oroxylum indicum
, were tested for their anti-inflammatory activity as well as for their cytotoxicity. Thereby the two compounds were investigated on Src tyrosine kinase inhibition and inhibition of production of interleukin (IL-6) in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) stimulated THP-1 cells. Additionally, the THP-1 cell line was used for the determination of the cytotoxicity. Both baicalin and baicalein showed some anti-inflammatory properties, while baicalein turned out to be the more active compound with higher inhibitory activities on both Src tyrosine kinase and production of cytokine IL-6. Baicalin and baicalein showed no signs of cytotoxicity in the MTS cytotoxicity assay in THP-1 cells.
Scutellarein (2), which is an important in vivo metabolite of scutellarin (1), was synthesized from 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenol (3) in high yield in four steps. This strategy relies on acetylation, aldolization, cyclization and hydrolysis reactions, respectively.
Objective: Shin'iseihaito (Xin yi qing fei tang in Chinese, SSHT), a formula in traditional Japanese Kampo medicine and Chinese medicine comprising nine crude drugs, Gypsum, Ophiopogon Tuber, Scutellaria Root (SR, root of Scutellaria baicalensis), Gardenia Fruit, Anemarrhena Rhizome, Lilium Bulb, Magnolia Flower, Loquat Leaf, and Cimicifuga Rhizome, is commonly used to treat sinusitis associated with purulent nasal discharge and reddish nasal mucosa. We evaluated anti-bacterial activity of SSHT extract on Streptococcus pneumoniae, the major cause of bacterial sinusitis. Materials and Methods: Sterile paper disks impregnated with SSHT extract or each extract of its component were placed on sheep blood agar plates inoculated with Streptococcus pneumoniae (ATCC 49619). The diameter of inhibitory zone was measured after 20-24 h incubation. Results: SSHT extract and each water extract of Ophiopogon Tuber, SR, Gardenia Fruit, Anemarrhena Rhizome, Lilium Bulb, Magnolia Flower, and Cimicifuga Rhizome showed significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, and SR extract exhibited the largest inhibitory zone. SR extract was partitioned into AcOEt, BuOH, and water layer, and water layer was further separated into 80% EtOH soluble and insoluble fraction. Among them, only 80% EtOH soluble fraction was exhibited antibacterial activity. In this fraction, we found baicalin as the major compounds, and baicalin exhibited antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae in concentrationdependent manner. Conclusion: SSHT has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae, and SR and its major constituent baicalin contribute to the antibacterial activity of SSHT against Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora, family Lamiaceae) herb has a long history of adulteration, evidenced in comments from over 100 years ago by Felter and Lloyd that “Scutellaria versicolor Nuttall and Scutellaria canescens Nuttall are the species generally collected by herbalists and substituted for Scutellaria lateriflora.” Besides the substitutions with other species from the genus Scutellaria, adulteration with germander (Teucrium) species containing hepatotoxic furano neo-clerodane
diterpenes has been reported in the early 1990s and seems to persist in the herb trade in North America and possibly elsewhere. This Laboratory Guidance Document presents a review of the various publicly-available analytical technologies and methods used to differentiate between authentic S. lateriflora and its potentially adulterating species.
The anticancer effect of Scutellaria baicalensis extract has recently become a topic of interest. In this study, the anticancer effects and underlying mechanisms of wogonoside, the main constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis, were investigated in a human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line in vitro. The effects of wogonoside on the proliferation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells were examined. Western blotting was employed to analyze the proteins associated with the biological effects of wogonoside. Wogonoside exerted anti‑proliferation properties in vitro. HCC cell growth was attenuated by wogonoside (8 μM) treatment. Cell cycle progression analysis and DNA ladder assay revealed that apoptosis was enhanced in wogonoside‑treated cells and that cell cycle arrest occurred in the G2/M phase. It was also demonstrated that increased apoptosis was accompanied by increased levels of Bax protein and decreased levels of Bcl‑2 protein. The results of this study suggest that wogonoside may represent a potential therapeutic agent against HCC.
Oral mucositis (OM) in cancer patients induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy has a significant impact on quality of life, and causes considerable morbidity. Oral microorganisms are likely to intensify the inflammatory process and aggravate the formation of ulcers. Hangeshashinto (HST), a Japanese kampo medicine, has been reported to be effective when used as a gargle for the treatment of OM. To clarify the effects of HST on oral microorganisms, we assessed its antimicrobial activity against 27 microbial species, including 19 oral bacteria and one fungus. HST extract inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria, including Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella melaninogenica, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Porphyromonas asaccharolytica, though inhibitory effects were less pronounced for Gram-positive bacteria and the fungal strain. We then investigated the effects of antibacterial activities on 15 purified ingredients of HST and determined that baicalein, berberine, coptisine, [6]-shogaol, and homogentisic acid actively inhibited the growth of these bacteria. These findings showed that HST inhibits the growth of specific Gram-negative periodontopathogenic bacteria, which are significant pathogens in OM, without disturbing the normal oral flora. Our data suggest that HST may be a useful treatment for OM in patients undergoing anticancer treatment.
After a ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in farm animals in the European Union in 2006, an interest in alternative products with antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties has increased. In this study, we therefore tested the effects of extracts from Curcuma longa and Scutellaria baicalensis used as feed additives against cecal inflammation induced by heat stress or Salmonella Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) infection in chickens. Curcuma extract alone was not enough to decrease gut inflammation induced by heat stress. However, a mixture of Curcuma and Scutellaria extracts used as feed additives decreased gut inflammation induced by heat or S. Enteritidis, decreased S. Enteritidis counts in the cecum but was of no negative effect on BW or humoral immune response. Using next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA we found out that supplementation of feed with the 2 plant extracts had no effect on microbiota diversity. However, if the plant extract supplementation was provided to the chickens infected with S. Enteritidis, Faecalibacterium, and Lactobacillus, both bacterial genera with known positive effects on gut health were positively selected. The supplementation of chicken feed with extracts from Curcuma and Scutelleria thus may be used in poultry production to effectively decrease gut inflammation and increase chicken performance.
© 2015 Poultry Science Association Inc.
Kampo formulations comprise a number of crude natural drugs/herbs as constituents. The crude drugs/herbs have been traditionally classified by their traditional classifications or efficacies in Kampo medicines; however, it has been difficult to establish the scientific link between experimental evidence and traditional classifications in Kampo medicine. To clarify such traditional conceptions, we tested 112 crude drugs/herbs that are major components of Kampo formulations, in the multi-pathway analysis of 10 well-studied transcriptional activities including CREB, ERSF, HIF-1α, IRFs, MYC, NF-κB, p53, SMAD, SOX2, and TCF/LEF in A549 human lung cancer cells. By clustering the results of multi-pathway analysis with the Spearman rank-correlation coefficient and Ward linkage, three distinct traditional categories were significantly enriched in the major groupings, which are heat-clearing and dampness-drying herbs, acrid and warm exterior-resolving herbs, and acrid and cool exterior-resolving herbs. These results indicate that these crude drugs/herbs have similar effects on intracellular signaling and further imply that the traditional classifications of those enriched crude drugs/herbs can be supported by such experimental evidence. Collectively, our new in vitro multi-pathway analysis may be useful to clarify the mechanism of action of crude drugs/herbs and Kampo formulations.
Plants of the genus Scutellaria (family Lamiaceae) are distributed globally and they are integral part of Eastern as well as American traditional medicine. The genus Scutellaria, commonly referred to as skullcap, is considered as a North American perennial plant. At present this genus is represented by 350–360 species. Many species are rare, threatened, or endangered. Habitat destruction, urbanization, and poor seed set are a few reasons behind the diminishing population of many skullcaps. Many skullcap species have showy, beautiful blooms with great potential as ornamental plants. Skullcaps are used in alternative medicine as antiinflammatory, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, nervine, sedative, and strong tonic. More than 295 compounds have been isolated from Scutellaria species and the majority of the compounds are flavonoids and diterpenes. We present a review of research carried out by various groups, covering aspects of phytochemical screening, biomedical studies, conservation, plant biotechnology, and development of Scutellaria as a premium crop. We have developed a germplasm collection at Fort Valley State University that includes 19 species. These species are maintained in the greenhouse and through micropropagation in the lab. Biotechnology presents significant advances for the use of Scutellaria. We will review progress in micropropagation, transformation for desired gene transfer, and hairy root induction, extraction, and HPLC analysis of targeted flavonoids, and preclinical and clinical studies on select extracts and isolated flavonoids using various cancer models.
Sensory anthropology has explored sensation as a fruitful but poorly examined domain of cross-cultural research. Curiously, sensory anthropologists have mostly ignored scientific research into sensation, even that which addresses cross-cultural variation. A comparative study in two Amazonian societies (Matsigenka, Yora [Nahua]) documented the role of the senses in medicinal plant therapy and benefited greatly from theoretical insights gleaned from sensory science. The study reveals a complex interweaving of cultural and ecological factors in medicinal plant selection, with sensation standing at the culture-nature nexus linking medical ideas with medical materials. By synthesizing (rather than antagonizing) scientific and anthropological insights, sensation can be understood as a biocultural phenomenon rooted in human physiology yet constructed through individual experience and culture. Overcoming the limitations of a narrowly defined sensory anthropology, sensory ecology is here proposed as a new theoretical perspective for addressing hurnanenvironment interactions mediated by the senses.
The usage amount of medicinal plant rapidly increased along with the development of traditional Chinese medicine industry. The higher market demand and the shortage of wild herbal resources enforce us to carry out large-scale introduction and cultivation. Herbal cultivation can ease current contradiction between medicinal resources supply and demand while they bring new problems such as pesticide residues and plant disease and pests. Researchers have recently placed high hopes on the application of natural fostering, a new method incorporated herbal production and diversity protecting practically, which can solve the problems brought by artificial cultivation. However no modes can solve all problems existing in current herbal production. This study evaluated different production modes including cultivation, natural fostering, and wild collection to guide the traditional Chinese medicine production for sustainable utilization of herbal resources.
The present study was carried out to identify antibacterial and antioxidant characteristics of traditional aqueous extracts derived from three traditional Chinese medicinal plants (Scutellaria baicalensis, Coptis chinensis and Sonchus oleraceus). It was indicated that the S. oleraceus showed the highest antibacterial efficacy, especially against Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the S. oleraceus was 5.0 mg/mL what was in correlation with the high total phenolic and flavonoid contents and CUPRAC value, and MIC of both S. baicalensis and C. chinensis was 7.5 mg/mL. The rational pH of the working S. oleraceus was acidic, while the other two preferred to neutral or alkaline environment. The reasonable preservation temperature of S. baicalensis should not beyond 60°C, while the other two below 90°C. Meanwhile, S. baicalensis had significant antioxidant activity with the highest CUPRAC and ·OH scavenging activity. These results had provided useful information on further drug discovery.
The glandular trichomes morphology, volatile composition and antimicrobial activity of the aerial parts of three endemic Scutellaria taxa [S. cypria var. cypria Rechinger, S. cypria var. elatior Meikle and S. sipthorpii (Benth.) Hal.] from Lamiaceae were investigated. Examined species posses two morphologically distinct types of glandular trichomes. Capitate trichomes were observed in all three taxa. Peltate glandular trichomes had a large secretory head forming 1 central and 3-8 peripheral cells. Peltate trichomes were observed only in S. cypria var. elatior's petiole. The volatiles and the essential oil mixtures of three taxa were obtained by steam distillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus with a 0.26-0.47 % (v/w) yield. Their analyses were performed by GC-FID and GC-MS techniques. Identification of these compounds was exhibited by comparison of their mass spectra, relative retention indices and some literature records. In total, 23 components were identified. While, total volatile percentages were detected as 99.99 %, the essential oil yield ranged between 34.64 and 92.25 % for 3 species. Trans-caryophyllene (22.58 %) and germacren-D (42.01 %) were detected as major components for S. sibthorpii Eugenol (23.05 %) and palmitic acid (27.00 %) were the main components for S. cypria var. cypria Additionally, S. cypria var. elatior has a considerable amount of linalool and palmitic acid as 10.92 % and 46.76 %, respectively. The MIC values of the volatiles ranged as 10-20 mg/mL against Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria. C. albicans was found as the most resistant yeast-like fungus with a MIC values higher than 20 mg/mL.
Drug discovery leading to robust and viable lead candidates’ remains a challenging scientific task, which is the transition from a screening hit to a drug candidate, requires expertise and experience. Natural products and their derivatives have been recognized for many years as a source of therapeutic agents and of structural diversity. However, in addition to their chemical structure diversity and their biodiversity, the development of new technologies has revolutionized the screening of natural products in discovering new drugs. Applying these technologies compensates for the inherent limitations of natural products and offers a unique opportunity to re-establish natural products as a major source for drug discovery. The present article attempts to describe the utilization of compounds derived from natural resources as drug candidates, with a focus on the success of these resources in the process of finding and discovering new and effective drug compounds, an approach commonly referred to as “natural product drug discovery”.
Plants are used in different traditional systems of Indian medicine. Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) includes about 350 species commonly known as skullcaps is widespread in Europe, the United States and East Asia with a long history of traditional uses in many countries in the world. Phytochemical investigations have revealed that the plant contain flavonoids and diterpene compounds known to possess multiple health beneficial effects. This review presents the comprehensive overview of traditional uses, phytochemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Scutellaria genus such that the potential use of this plant in various traditional medicines can be systematically evaluated.
The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from aerial
parts of Scutellaria immaculata Nevski ex Juz., Scutellaria ramosissima
M. Pop. and Scutellaria schachristanica Juz. (Lamiaceae) growing wild in
Uzbekistan was analysed by GC and GC–MS. The main constituents of the
essential oils from S. immaculata were acetophenone (30.39%), eugenol
(20.61%), thymol (10.04%) and linalool (6.92%), whereas constituents
of the essential oils fromS. schachristanica were acetophenone
(34.74%), linalool (26.98%) and eugenol (20.67%). The S. ramosissima
oil is dominated by germacrene D (23.96%), β-caryophyllene (11.09%),
linalool (9.63%) and hexadecanoic acid (8.34%). The essential oils of
Scutellaria species exhibited weaker antioxidant effects in DPPH, ABTS
and FRAP assays. In FRAP assay, only eugenol exhibited a substantial
reducing power IC50 = 2476.92 ± 15.8 (mM Fe(II)/g).
Two new species of Scutellaria (Lamiaceae), S. tenasserimensis A. J. Paton and S. khaoyaiensis A. J. Paton, are described here. The name S. cana Wall. ex Benth., recognised as a synonym of S. repens D. Don, is based on specimens belonging to S. repens and S. tenasserimensis. S. cana is lectotypified to clarify the division of these two species. A key to the Scutellaria species of Thailand is provided and the relationships of the species and the relevant morphological characters, particularly nutlets, are discussed.
From the aerial parts of Scutellaria galericulata L., four phenylethanoid glycosides, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl-(6-O-caffeoyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), calceolarioside B (2), osmanthuside E (3) and martynoside (4), were isolated. The structure elucidations of the isolated compounds were performed by spectroscopic (UV, IR, ESI-MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR) methods. Compounds 1-4 demonstrated scavenging properties toward the 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical in TLC autographic assays.
An ethnobotanical survey was carried out to collect information on the use of medicinal plants by Paliyan tribes in Sirumalai hills of Eastern Ghats. About 90 medicinal plants are used in 17 various health problems; highest being for wound healing (12%). The majority of the remedies are prepared from freshly collected plant parts especially leaves from single species only. The treatment mode is usually oral, but some pastes using ingredients such as honey, common salt and milk are also applied.
Scutellaria baicalensis GEORGI has been used to treat inflammatory-related disorders in China and Japan for centuries. The plant root has a particularly high flavonoid content, over 35 percent, giving it a yellow color, and its traditional name of golden root. These flavonoids selectively inhibit enzymes in the arachidonic acid cascade, in particular lipoxygenases, as well as possessing antioxidant, antiviral, antiretroviral, antitumor, antibacterial, and sedative properties. Scutellaria is used in traditional Chinese medicine to "cleanse heat," "dry moisture," and "remove toxins.".
In order to improve the biological activity and water solubility of scutellarin (1), some derivatives of its main metabolite (scutellarein) were designed and synthesized. All the compounds were tested for their thrombin inhibition activity through the analyzation of thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and fibrinogen (FIB). Their antioxidant activities were assessed by measuring their scavenging capacities toward 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and the ability to protect PC12 cells against H2O2-induced cytotoxicity, their water solubility were also assessed by ultraviolet (UV) spectrophotometer. The results showed that compound 8b demonstrated stronger anticoagulant and antioxidant activity, better water solubility compared with scutellarein (2), which warrants it as a promising agent for the treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
GATA-1, a zinc finger transcription factor, has been demonstrated to play a key role in the progression of leukemia. In this study, we investigate the effects of wogonoside, a naturally bioactive flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, on cell growth and cell cycle in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells, and uncover its underlying mechanisms. The experimental design comprised CML cell lines K562, imatinib-resistant K562 (K562r) cells, and primary CML cells, treated in vitro or in vivo, respectively, with wogonoside; growth and cell cycle were then evaluated. We found that wogonoside could induce growth inhibition and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in both normal and K562r cells. Wogonoside promotes the expression of GATA-1 and facilitates the binding to methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) and p21 promoter, thus inhibiting MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling and cell cycle checkpoint proteins, including CDK2, CDK4, cyclin A, and cyclin D1, and increasing p21 expression. Furthermore, in vivo studies showed that administration of wogonoside decreased CML cells and prolonged survival in NOD/SCID mice with CML cell xenografts. In conclusion, these results clearly revealed the inhibitory effect of wogonoside on the growth in CML cells and suggested that wogonoside may act as a promising drug for the treatment of imatinib-resistant CML.
A new neo-clerodane diterpenoid, barbatellarine F (1), was isolated from the CHCl3-soluble fraction of the aerial part of Scutellaria barbata. The chemical structure of the new compound was elucidated by detailed analysis of NMR and MS data. Compound 1 was a C-13 epimer of the previously reported compound barbatellarine E, which was confirmed by NOESY data as well as optical rotation.
This work is NOT from Taxon. It is a book published by Timber Press in 1989, 908 pages, listing 46,000 uses of plants by native American people.