Anti-endotoxin Effects of Baicalin Extracted from Radix Scutellariae

Objective To probe into the anti-endotoxin effects of baicalin isolated from Radix Scutellariae. Methods A 0.5% aqueous solution of baicalin was prepared which was extracted and isolated from Radix Scutellariae.The in vitro antiendotoxin effect of baicalin was quantitatively determined with the limulus test after a mixture of endotoxin and baicalin had been incubated in a 37 ℃water bath for 1 h.The in vitro inhibitory of baicalin on the endotoxin-induced fever was measured in rabbits.The LPS-induced deaths in mice pretreated and not pretreated with baicalin were compared.Effects of baicalin on the LPS induced excessive increase in the serum contents of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and nitric oxide(NO) were studied in mice. Results 0.833 mg· mL~(-1) of baicalin was shown to result in a degradation of endotoxin from 4 EU to 0.546 EU,the destruction percentage being 87.45%.5 mL·kg~(-1)of 0.5% baicalin solution injected intravenously per rabbit gave rise to a striking abatemant of the endotoxin-induced fever.The LPS-induced death rate in mice pretreated with baicalin(10%) was significantly lower than that in those without baicalin pretreatment(70%).The excessive increase in the serum TNF-α and NO induced by LPS in mice was brought down significantly by baicalin in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Baicalin isolated from Radix Scutellariae was shown to be provided with anti-endotoxin effects.