Scutellaria flavonoid reduced memory dysfunction and neuronal injury caused by permanent global ischemia in rats

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of flavonoid, isolated from aerial parts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (SSF), on memory deficits, neuronal degeneration and abnormal energy metabolism induced by permanent global ischemia in rats. The global ischemia was produced in female Sprague-Dawley rats by permanent occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries. The permanent global ischemia in rats resulted in a significantly increased latency of the rat to find the hidden platform and a decreased swimming distance from the target quadrant in the Morris water maze task. The pathological changes in the neurons of ischemic rats, observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex, included neuron loss, neuron swelling, nuclear shrinkage or disappearance, neuronophagia and reduced density of Nissl bodies in the neuron. Moreover, the levels of lactate and ATPase activity in ischemic rats were notably increased and decreased, respectively, in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex as compared with sham-operated rats. Daily oral administration of SSF (35 mg/kg, 19-20 days) dramatically reduced the decrease in learning and memory, attenuated neuronal injury and improved abnormality of energy metabolites in rats induced by global ischemia. These findings suggest that SSF may be beneficial for the treatment of vascular dementia.

Regulation of IGF-I production and proliferation of human leiomyomal smooth muscle cells by D. Don in vitro: isolation of flavonoids of apigenin and luteolin as acting compounds

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae) (SB) is a perennial herb, which is natively distributed throughout Korea and southern China. This herb is known in traditional Chinese Medicine as Ban-Zhi-Lian and traditional Korean medicine as Banjiryun, respectively. SB has been used as an anti-inflammatory and antitumor agent. We aimed to determine the expression of growth factor molecules for growth inhibition after treatment of SB in two different human myometrial smooth muscle cell (SMC)s and leiomyomal SMCs. Water-soluble ingredients of SB, myometrial SMCs, and the leiomyomal cell lines were used in vitro. SB significantly reduced cell numbers in culture and arrested cell proliferation, and also induced apoptosis, indicating that the presence of an intact apoptotic pathway was demonstrated in these cells by SB. Uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign smooth muscle cell tumor of the myometrium. The expression of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) was measured at the mRNA and protein level in myometrium and leiomyomal cells with and without treatment with a water extract of SB for 3 days. IGF-I mRNA expression was significantly higher in leiomyomal cells than in myometrium cells. The IGF-I protein was more abundant in leiomyomal cells than in myometrium. When SB was treated to the cells, the IGF-I protein concentrations in myometrial and leiomyomal cells from the SB-treated cells were similar. The results indicated that IGF-I expression is probably associated with a proliferation of leiomyomal cells than myometrium. However, SB down-regulated the IGF-I expression where IGF-I contributes to the selective growth of the leiomyoma. Therefore, growth modulation of LMs by SB occurs via mechanisms dependent of apoptosis. The raw materials were extracted and subjected to functional isolation for the active molecules in the present assay systems. The five flavonoids were isolated and the chemical structures of resveratrol, baicalin, berberine, apigenin, and luteolin were determined. The effects of resveratrol, baicalin, and berberine on the above parameters have not been significantly evidenced, whereas apigenin and luteolin were effective. The anti-proliferative compounds apigenin and luteolin belong to the flavones, a class of flavonoids and are characterized as selectively inhibitors of the growth of LM cells. Our findings suggest that flavonoids of apigenin and luteolin are potentially useful for the development of therapeutic treatments of cancer. These data also suggest that SB reduces tumor volume with inducing a concomitant increase in the rate of apoptosis.

The sequences of the plastid gene rpl16 and the rpl16-rpl14 spacer region allow discrimination among six species of Scutellaria

Dried aerial parts of Scutellaria galericulata L. (Labiatae; marsh skullcap) and Scutellaria lateriflora L. (Labiatae; mad dog skullcap) are mainly used as skullcap, a medicinal herb, in Europe and the United States. The respective dried aerial parts of the two species are difficult to distinguish morphologically from each other. We attempted to discriminate among six species (Scutellaria altissima L. (Labiatae), Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Labiatae), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria incana Spreng. (Labiatae), Scutellaria indica L. (Labiatae) and Scutellaria lateriflora) of Scutellaria, which include three medicinal species (Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora and Scutellaria baicalensis), by comparing the respective nucleotide sequences of the plastid rpl16 gene and the rpl16-rpl14 spacer region. Comparisons of these sequences allowed us to identify each of the six species unequivocally.

[Influence of Xinqin tablets on guinea-pig nasal hypersensitivity]

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of Xinqin tablets on guinea-pig nasal hypersensitivity.

METHOD

2,4-Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) was selected as antigen and used in nose to establish guinea-pig allergic rhinitis. The effects of Xinqin tablets on symptoms of nasal hypersensitivity in guinea-pigs, histamine content of nasal mucosa and activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were examined.

RESULT

Xinqin tablets could significantly relieve the pathological symptoms of nasal hypersensitivity in guinea-pig, reduce histamine content of nasal mucosa and inhibit the activity of nitric oxide synthase.

CONCLUSION

Xinqin tablets have significant effect on nasal hypersensitivity, and prevent the occurrence of allergic rhinitis.

Comparison of the chemical composition of extracts from Scutellaria lateriflora using accelerated solvent extraction and supercritical fluid extraction versus standard hot water or 70% ethanol extraction

The aqueous extract of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L. (S. lateriflora), Lamiaceae) has been traditionally used by North American Indians as a nerve tonic and for its sedative and diuretic properties. Recent reports stated that flavonoids and possibly amino acids are responsible for the anxiolytic activity. As a part of our search for environmentally friendly solvents to extract the active components from medicinal plants, we used S. lateriflora in a comparison of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) using water, and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2 and 10% EtOH as modifier, at different temperatures. Flavonoids and amino acids were quantified by HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS, respectively. The flavonoid content was compared with conventional extraction methods (hot water extraction and 70% ethanol). The use of ASE at 85 degrees C with water as solvent gave the best results for flavonoid glycosides and amino acids, whereas SFE gave higher yields of flavonoid aglycones. However, the results obtained for total flavonoids were not significatively superior to hot water extraction or 70% aqueous EtOH extract.

[Study on yield and quality of Scutellaria baicalensis from different habitats]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the economical characters, yield characters and major effective ingredient content of Scutellaria baicalensis from different habitats.

METHOD

The characters were studied by field randomized block test combining analysis of variance, correlation analysis and quality analysis.

RESULT

There are significant differences in yield and quality of the crude drugs from different habitats.

CONCLUSION

The crude drug from Pingyi (Shandong province) is better than those from other habitats.

A Highly Efficient Synthesis of the FGH Ring of Micrandilactone A. Application of Thioureas as Ligands in the Co-catalyzed Pauson−Khand Reaction and Pd-Catalyzed Carbonylative Annulation

The functionalized FGH ring system of micrandilactone A was successfully constructed in high selectivity and good yields. The key reactions in our strategy are the Co-thiourea-catalyzed stereoselective, intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction and Pd-thiourea-catalyzed stereoselective, intramolecular annulation. [structure: see text]

[Studies on the system for the exclusive control substance in traditional Chinese herbal medicines]

OBJECTIVE

To establish the system for the exclusive control substance of plant drug (CSPD) in traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHM) for the purpose of original identification.

METHOD

Three kinds of representative TCHMs were selected and their exclusive CSPDs were obtained by standardized procedure. The expression of the total chemical characteristic of the CSPDs were achieved with the comparative analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra for the CSPDs of the samples of the same species collected from different regions as well as the isolation and elucidation of the chemical constituents.

RESULT

The 1H-NMR spectra of the CSPDs for three kinds of representative TCHMs have highly characteristic features and reproducibility, and showed mainly the resonance signals of the characteristic constituents of each species. These 1H-NMR spectra were strictly correlative with the origin of the species.

CONCLUSION

By using the procedure of this paper, the exclusive CSPDs can be obtained for most of TCHMs, which have important significance and can be regarded as references in the original identification of TCHMs.

[Study of baicalin in inducing prostate cancer cell line DU145 apoptosis in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the in vitro effects of baicalin on induction of apoptosis in human prostate cancer cell line DU145.

METHOD

Human prostate cancer cell line DU145 was treated with different concentration of baicalin in vitro. The apoptosis rate was determined by FACS analysis, cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry, morphological changes and protein analysis were determined by means of electron microscope techniqueand immunohistochemical techniquerespectively.

RESULT

50micromol x L(-1) and 125 micromol x L(-1) of baicalin dose-dependently induced apoptosis and inhibited the proliferation of prostate cancer cell DU145 in a dose and time-dependent manner. DNA flow cytometric analysis indicated that baicalin induced a arrest in G1 phase, showing a typical apoptosis peak. Electron microscopy detected a characteristic appearance of the apoptotic cells morphology. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that induction of apoptosis by ways of inhibition of the bcl-2, loss of the Bax, and upregulation of Fas.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that baicalin may induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of prostate cancer cells, and has direct anti-tumor effects on human prostate cancer cells.

Extremely potent antifeedant neo-clerodane derivatives of scutecyprol A

Two known neo-clerodane diterpenoids, scutecyprol A (1) and scutalbin C (2), have been isolated from the acetone extract of the aerial parts of Scutellaria sieberi. The antifeedant activity of scutecyprol A (1), of its 15-oxo derivative (3), and of several halohydrins (4-9), synthesized starting from compounds 1 and 3, against Spodoptera littoralis have been determined and structure-antifeedant relationships are discussed.

[Antitumor effect and apoptosis induction in human cancer cell lines by BRM-SJS]

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

It had been observed that BRM-SJS had antitumor effect in our clinical practice. This study was designed to investigate the antitumor activity of BRM-SJS, and mechanism of its action.

METHODS

In vitro antitumor experiments with MTT method, meanwhile cell morphology, flow cytometry, and agarose gel electrophoresis were performed for determining apoptosis in several tumor cell lines.

RESULTS

BRM-SJS had antitumor effects on human Suzhou human glioma (SHG-44), breast carcinoma (MCF-7), and human pancreas carcinoma (PANC1) in vitro, the IC50 values of BRM-SJS were 0. 299 mg/ml, 1.853 mg/ml and 9.416 mg/ml respectively. At the 2. 5 mg of BRM-SJS on SHG-44 and MCF-7, marked morphological changes, including cell shrinkage and condensation of chromosomes, were observed with electric microscope. The increase of apoptosis in SHG-44 and MCF-7 cells treated with BRM-SJS extracts 0.625 -2.5 mg for 14 -48 h was observed by Annexin-V/PI flow cytometry analysis. Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA from SHG-44 and MCF-7 cells treated with BRM-SJS extracts 1.25 -5 mg for 24 h or 48 h showed marked DNA Ladder pattern.

CONCLUSION

Antitumor activity of BRM-SJS may be related with inducement of apoptosis of tumor cells.

Enteric Excretion of Baicalein, a Flavone of Scutellariae Radix, via Glucuronidation in Rat: Involvement of Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2

PURPOSE

Baicalin (BG) and its aglycone, baicalein (B), are strong antioxidants and have various pharmacological actions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate efflux of BG from rat intestinal mucosal cell following glucuronidation of B absorbed after oral administration of B.

METHODS

The absorption and excretion of BG and B were evaluated in rats using the in situ jejunal loop technique and in vitro jejunal everted sac experiments. BG and B levels were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electro-chemical detection to ensure selectivity and high sensitivity.

RESULTS

A large amount (30.4% recovery) of BG, but no B, was detected in the intestinal lumens of germ-free rats 4 h after oral administration of B (12.1 mg/kg), in comparison with a substantial recovery (55.1%) of unabsorbed BG 4 h after its administration. During the in situ rat jejunal loop absorption experiment, B disappeared rapidly, and 8% of the lost B was excreted into the loop as BG 20 min after infusing 0.1 mM B. In an in vitro absorption experiment using everted rat jejunal sac, BG also appeared outside the sac, accompanied by the disappearance of B from the outer (mucosal) side. However, very little of B was transferred to the inner (serosal) side of the sac, and only a trace of BG was detected inside the sac. Thus, in both the loop and the everted sac systems, the efflux of BG from the mucosal surface was saturated with the concentration of B added. Moreover, the efflux rate of BG in the everted jejunal sac from Eisai hyperbilirubinemic rat (EHBR) was significantly lower by 56.4% than that from Sprague-Dawley rat.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that, in rat, a large proportion of any B absorbed is retained, transformed into BG within the intestinal mucosal cells, and coordinately excreted through multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) into the intestinal lumen.

[Studies on the flavonoids in herb from Scutellaria barbata]

OBJECTIVE

To study flavonoids in Scutellaria barbata and elucidate their structures.

METHOD

Compounds were isolated and purified by normal column chromatography, paper thin layer chromatography and Sephadex chromatography. The chemical structures were elucidated by ESI mass and NMR spectra.

RESULT

Five flavonoids were isolated from S. barbata and identified as apigenin (1), luteolin (2), ethyl-7-O-apigenin-glucuronate (3), apigenin-7-O-beta-glucoside (4), and apigenin-7-O-neohesperidoside (5), in addition to benzyaldehyde (6).

CONCLUSION

Flavonoidglycoside (3), (4) and (5) were isolated from S. barbata for the first time.

Anticancer activity and mechanism of Scutellaria barbata extract on human lung cancer cell line A549

Scutellaria barbata (S. barbata), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine native to southern China, is widely used as an anti-inflammatory and a diuretic in China. Several studies have indicated that extracts of S. barbata have growth inhibitory effects on a number of human cancers. Treatment of lung cancer, digestive system cancers, hepatoma, breast cancer, and chorioepithelioma by S. barbata extracts was reported. However, the mechanism underlying the antitumor activity was unclear. In this study, we studied the growth inhibitory effect of S. barbata and determined its mechanism of antitumor activity using human lung cancer cell line A549. Our results showed that ethanol extracts of S. barbata greatly inhibited A549 cell growth, with IC50 of 0.21 mg/ml. The major mechanisms of inhibition included cell apoptosis and cytotoxic effects. cDNA microarray analysis showed that 16 genes, involved in DNA damage, cell cycle control, nucleic acid binding and protein phosphorylation, underwent more than 5-fold change. These data indicated that these processes are involved in S. barbata-mediated killing of cancer cells. A surprising finding is that CD209, related to dendritic cell (DC) function, was dramatically downregulated by 102-fold. Further functional studies are needed to assess the role of the array-identified genes in S. barbata mediated anticancer activity.

[Isolation and elucidation of antioxidant constituents from acetone extract in root of Scutellaria rehderiana]

OBJECTIVE

To isolatate and elucidate the antioxidant constituents from acetone extract of Scutellaria rehderiana.

METHOD

Chemical constituents were isolated by several column chromatographies and their structures were elucidated on the basis of standard compounds and spectral analysis.

RESULT

Five compounds, oroxylin A, wogonin, baicalein, ganhuangenin, ganhuangemin were isolated from acetone extract of S. rehderiana. Baicalin was obtained from methanol extract of S. rehderiana.

CONCLUSION

Ganhuangemin was isolated from the plant for the first time. Baicalein and ganhuangenin have stronger antioxidant activity than that of BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene).

[The effect of huanglian jiedu tang on Alzheimer's disease and its influence on cytokines]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of huanglian jiedu tang on Alzheimer' s disease, and its influence on cytokines.

METHOD

AD rats models were made by A beta injection, and then water-maze tests were made to investigate the study and memory ability. TNF-alpha, INF-gamma and IL-2 were examined by ELISA. After treatment with huanglian jiedu tang, the rats were evaluated again.

RESULT

After A beta injection, the study and memory ability of the rats was decreased. By the treatment with huanglian jiedu tang, it was improved (P < 0.01); TNF-alpha, INF-gamma and IL-2 levels of AD rats were higher than those in control group (P < 0.01); after treatment the levels came down (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Huanglian jiedu tang can improve the study and memory ability of AD rats by changing their immune state.

[Effects of baicalin on the expression of pro-MMP-1 and MMP-3 in human gingival fibroblasts and periodontal ligament cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of baicalin on the IL-1beta induced pro-MMP-1 in HGF and the effects of baicalin on MMP-3 expression in periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs).

METHODS

The amount of secreted pro-MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression was detected by ELISA and cell immunochemistry.

RESULTS

(1) The amount of secreted pro-MMP-1 (3.333 +/- 0.123) microg/L increased significantly following 1 microg/L of IL-1beta, compared with control group (1.960 +/- 0.180) microg/L. Addition of baicalin to cell culture medium for 1 hour following IL-1beta decreased pro-MMP-1 secretion in a dose-dependent manner in the range of 10 approximately 1,000 microg/L. (2) 1 microg/L IL-1beta could significantly stimulate the synthesis and secretion of MMP-3 in PDLCs. (3) The baicalin could not interfere the synthesis of MMP-3, but could inhibit the release of MMP-3 from PDLCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Baicalin could inhibit the secretion of pro-MMP-1 and MMP-3 expression in IL-1beta induced HGF and PDLCs, which suggests that baicalin may play an important role in preventing and treating periodontal disease.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Scutellaria barbata

The essential oil of Scutellaria barbata was obtained by hydrodistillation with a 0.3% (v/w) yield and analysed by GC and GC-MS. The main compounds in the oil were hexahydrofarnesylacetone (11.0%), 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol (7.8%), menthol (7.7%) and 1-octen-3-ol (7.1%). The antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated against 17 microorganisms using disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The gram-positive bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus, were more sensitive to the oil than gram-negative bacteria and yeasts.

[Determination of scutellarin and rutin in Shenfukang capsules by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography]

A rapid and simple method for the determination of scutellarin and rutin in Shenfukang capsules has been developed using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Scutellarin and rutin were first extracted by ultrasonic extraction with methanol-water (1:1, v/v). The resulting extracts were separated on a C18 column (4.6 mm i.d. x 150 mm, 5 microm). The mobile phase consisting of 0.02 mol/L KH2PO4 solution containing 1.0% glacial acetic acid-methanol (63:37, v/v) was run at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 330 nm and the injection volume was 20 microL. Good linearity in the range of 10 mg/L to 300 mg/L was obtained for scutellarin and rutin. The method was successfully used for the quantification of scutellarin and rutin of Shenfukang capsules.

Inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbata D. Don on human uterine leiomyomal smooth muscle cell proliferation through cell cycle analysis

Scutellaria barbata D. Don (SB) is one of the herbs belonging to perennial plants, which is known in traditional Korean medicine as 'Ban-Ji-Ryun,' and has been used as an anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agents against human uterine leiomyoma, mammalian and ovarian cancers. Although the difference between uterine smooth muscle cell (SMC) and leiomyomal SMCs has not been clearly established, the action of SB water extract was investigated using SMCs from normal myometrium and leiomyoma. The proliferation of cultured myometrial and leiomyomal SMC was inhibited by SB treatment. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the population in the G1 phase of the cell cycle increased under SB treatment. Western blotting analysis showed that markers of SMC differentiation such as alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA), calponin h1 and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 were induced by treatment with SB in myometrial and leiomyomal SMCs. In contrast, cell-cycle-related gene products from the G1 phase of the cell cycle, such as cyclin E and cdk2, were not affected. Taken together, these results indicate that SB inhibits the proliferation of myometrial and leiomyomals SMC through the induction of alpha-SMA, calponin h1 and p27. It is suggested that SB may induce differentiation in uterine SMC and may influence tissue remodeling and reconstruction during physiological and pathophysiological events.

[The effect of Redix Scutellariae on butyrate of Porphyromonas endodontalis in vitro]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Radix Scutellariae on the growth, metabolism of Porphyromonas endodontalis (P.e), as a preparation for studying the mechanism of Radix Scutellariae in treating pulp and periapical diseases.

METHODS

P.e was chosen as the experimental bacteria. Radix Scutellariae was extracted by means of reflux with 80% ethanol. The value of MIC of Radix Scutellariae was measured by minute amount serial dilusion test, and the production of butyrate was measured by high liquid chromatograph(HPLC).

RESULTS

Radix Scutellariae could inhibit the growth of P.e, of which the MIC was 100 mg/L. Following the increase in concentration of Radix Scutellariae, the amount of butyrate decreased to (3.527 +/- 0.009) mg/L, (3.048 +/- 0.005) mg/L, (2.490 +/- 0.011) mg/L, (2.209 +/- 0.016) mg/L, respectively (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Radix Scutellariae could inhibit the growth and metabolism of P.e and might be an effective agent in treating pulp and periapical diseases.

[The effect of Baicalin on gene expression profile in rat brain of focal cerebral ischemia]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the difference of genes expression profiles between focal cerebral ischemia tissue and that treated with Baicalin using cDNA microarray.

METHOD

The total RNAs were isolated from rat brains of sham-operation, vehicle (focal cerebral ischemia of rat brain) and baicalin-treated groups. mRNAs were reversely transcribed to cDNA with incorporation of fluorescent dUTP (Cy5 or Cy3 dUTP) to prepare hybridization probes. The PCR products of 4096 genes were spotted on the chip after a serial of treatment. The mixed probes were hybridized to the cDNA microarray. Axon Genepix 4000B and GenePixPro 3.0 software were used to scan and analyze the fluorescent signals.

RESULT

The expressions of 199 and 12 genes were found up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, in the vehicle group compared with the sham-operation one. But the numbers of genes whose expressions were up-regulated and down-regulated were 89 and 88, respectively, when comparing the gene expression in the Baicalin-treated rat brain with that in the vehicle group. Moreover, one down-regulated and three up-regulated genes in the vehicle group were up-regulated and down-regulated in the Baicalin-treated group, respectively. Expressions of three up-regulated genes in the vehicle group were further reinforced in the Baicalin-treatment group.

CONCLUSION

Multiple pathways and nodes may be involved in the pharmacological effect of Baicalin on brain ischemia.

Aqueous extract of herba Scutellaria barbatae, a chinese herb used for ovarian cancer, induces apoptosis of ovarian cancer cell lines

OBJECTIVES

Given the increasingly common use of complementary medicine in cancer patients, we tested the in vitro cytotoxicity of aqueous extracts of 15 traditional Chinese herbs with purported anticancer properties on ovarian and breast cancer cell lines.

METHODS

Cell viability after treatment with herbal extract was measured by metabolism of a tetrazolium substrate. Apoptosis was measured by nuclear and DNA fragmentation and Annexin V binding.

RESULTS

One herb, Herba Scutellaria barbatae, was cytotoxic to 100% (11 of 11) of actively proliferating ovarian lines tested and 50% (2 of 4) of actively proliferating breast cell lines tested. Confluent cultures were resistant to killing by herb, whereas subconfluent cultures were sensitive. Resistant proliferating cell lines expressed higher levels of bcl2. Transfection of the most sensitive ovarian cancer cell line (A2780) with bcl2 resulted in a noticeable protection against apoptosis, but there was no protection in other transfected lines.

CONCLUSIONS

These results will be useful in guiding future studies of herbal aqueous extracts, as well as providing information for clinicians when patients are concurrently using these herbs along with conventional cancer therapies.

[Influence of Scutellaria barbata on calcium beaconage of cervix cancer cells]

To study the influence of Scutellaria barbata D. Don on cytoplasmatic free Ca2+ concentration of cervix cancer cells and its mechanism on anti-cancer. Fluorochrome Fura-2 could combine with free Ca2+ and then give off fluorescent under the condition of stimulating by some wavelength light. The changes of free Ca2+ were tested according to the intensity of fluorescent. The results showed that Scutellaria barbata D. Don could stimulate the cytoplasmatic store-calcium out-flow and extracellular Ca2+ inflow, and could obviously improve the concentration of cytoplasmatic free Ca2+.

[Study on in vitro dissolution rate of geniposide in huangqin qingfei dispersible tablet]

OBJECTIVE

To study in vitro dissolution rate of geniposide in Huangqin Qingfei dispersible tablet.

METHOD

A reversed-phase HPLC method was developed for determination of geniposide. In vitro dissolution rates were compared between Huangqin Qingfei dispersible tablet and conventional tablet in the dissolution medium of pH 1.0, 2.85, 4.5, 6.8, and 8.0 accordingly. Zero-class model, single-index model, logarithm normal school model, and Weibull distributing model were used to simulate the dissolution curve.

RESULT

The dissolution rate of two tablets is not affected by pH so much, and they can dissolve within 5 to 10 minutes. Weibull distributing model is the best simulation for in vitro dissolution. Comparing with conventional tablet, dispersible tablet dissolve quickly and completely.

CONCLUSION

The in vitro dissolution rate of geniposide in Huangqin Qingfei dispersible tablet conforms to Weibull distributing model. The dispersible tablet is able to release rapidly.