Evaluation of anti-oxidant capacity of root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, in comparison with roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb and Panax ginseng CA Meyer.
In Chinese communities, regular consumption of Chinese-medicated diets (CMD) (usually in the form of soup) is a traditional practice to promote health and prevent disease development. The overall improvement of health conditions is believed to be correlated with the anti-oxidant potentials of these herbs. Huangqin, roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae), is one of the herbs commonly used in CMD. In this study, the anti-oxidant capacities of Huangqin extracts (water, ethanol and ether extracts) were evaluated and compared to commonly used CMD herbs, Heshouwu, roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (Polygonaceae) and Renshen (or Ginseng), roots of Panax ginseng CA Meyer (Araliaceae). The anti-oxidant capacities were measured by using both cell-free assay [ferric reducing/anti-oxidant power (FRAP)] and biological methods [2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) (AAPH)-induced haemolysis assay and H(2)O(2)-induced cell damage on H9C2 cells]. Additionally, the total phenolic content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu methods. Water extract of Huangqin has the highest anti-oxidant activities compared to the ethanol and ether extracts. A positive relationship between the anti-oxidant effects and total phenolic contents of extracts was demonstrated. This shows that Huangqin could be an effective dietary anti-oxidant that can be consumed regularly as a functional food for the prevention of oxidant/free radical-related diseases.
Chan
Enoch
E
Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
Wong
Cynthia Ying-Kat
CY
Wan
Chun-Wai
CW
Kwok
Ching-Yee
CY
Wu
Jian-Hong
JH
Ng
Kar-Man
KM
So
Chi-Hang
CH
Au
Alice Lai-Shan
AL
Poon
Christina Chui-Wa
CC
Seto
Sai-Wang
SW
Kwan
Yiu-Wa
YW
Yu
Peter Hoi-Fu
PH
Chan
Shun-Wan
SW
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002460:Cell Line; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D005894:Panax / Q000737:chemistry*; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018517:Plant Roots; D028502:Polygonum / Q000737:chemistry*; D031364:Scutellaria baicalensis / Q000737:chemistry*
D000975:Antioxidants; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D010636:Phenols; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide