Baicalein inhibits oxidative stress-induced cellular damage via antioxidant effects

Toxicol Ind Health. 2012 Jun;28(5):412-21. doi: 10.1177/0748233711413799. Epub 2011 Sep 28.

Abstract

Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a phenolic flavonoid compound derived mainly from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a medicinal plant traditionally used in oriental medicine. In our previous study, baicalein attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by induction of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 transcription factor-mediated manganese superoxide dismutase. In the present study, the protective effects of baicalein against oxidative stress-induced damage, especially cellular components including DNA, lipid, and protein, were studied. The results of this study showed that baicalein scavenged intracellular ROS. Baicalein inhibited the H₂O₂-induced DNA damage that was demonstrated by decreased phospho-H2A.X expression and DNA tail formation. In addition, it prevented the lipid peroxidation shown by the fluorescence intensity of diphenyl-1-pyrenylphosphine and the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Moreover, baicalein inhibited protein oxidation demonstrated by protein carbonyl formation. Furthermore, baicalein protected cells via the inhibition of apoptosis induced by H₂O₂. The findings of this study suggest that baicalein provides protection for cellular components against oxidative damage via scavenging ROS and inhibiting apoptosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • DNA Damage / drug effects*
  • Flavanones / pharmacology*
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / toxicity
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances / metabolism

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Flavanones
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances
  • baicalein
  • Hydrogen Peroxide