A medicinal extract of Scutellaria baicalensis and Acacia catechu acts as a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase to reduce inflammation

J Med Food. 2007 Sep;10(3):442-51. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2006.255.

Abstract

A mixed extract containing two naturally occurring flavonoids, baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis and catechin from Acacia catechu, was tested for cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) inhibition via enzyme, cellular, and in vivo models. The 50% inhibitory concentration for inhibition of both ovine COX-1 and COX-2 peroxidase enzyme activities was 15 microg/mL, while the mixed extract showed a value for potato 5-LOX enzyme activity of 25 microg/mL. Prostaglandin E2 generation was inhibited by the mixed extract in human osteosarcoma cells expressing COX-2, while leukotriene production was inhibited in both human cell lines, immortalized THP-1 monocyte and HT-29 colorectal adenocarcinoma. In an arachidonic acid-induced mouse ear swelling model, the extract decreased edema in a dose-dependent manner. When arachidonic acid was injected directly into the intra-articular space of mouse ankle joints, the mixed extract abated the swelling and restored function in a rotary drum walking model. These results suggest that this natural, flavonoid mixture acts via "dual inhibition" of COX and LOX enzymes to reduce production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids and attenuate edema in an in vivo model of inflammation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acacia / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage
  • Catechin / administration & dosage
  • Cell Line, Transformed
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cyclooxygenase 1
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Dinoprostone / metabolism
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Flavonoids / administration & dosage
  • HT29 Cells
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / chemically induced
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Lipoxygenase Inhibitors*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Monocytes
  • Osteosarcoma
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage*
  • Scutellaria baicalensis / chemistry*
  • Sheep

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Flavonoids
  • Lipoxygenase Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts
  • baicalin
  • Catechin
  • Cyclooxygenase 1
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Dinoprostone