11/25/2021 / By Ralph Flores
Researchers from Qingdao University in China have found that a flavonoid present in Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has potential anti-cancer properties.
In their report, published in The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, the researchers noted that baicalein, a flavonoid derived from the roots of Chinese skullcap, can induce cell autophagy and apoptosis — two processes that help clear out damaged cells from the body. In particular, the team investigated the mechanism behind the anti-cancer activity of baicalein using human glioma cells.
A glioma is a tumor that develops in the brain or the spinal cord. This type of tumor originates from the glial cells, which provide support for the neurons. Among the types of glial cells found in the brain and the peripheral nervous system, three types of glial cells can produce tumors.
For the study, the team treated glioma cells with baicalein in vitro. In particular, they were interested to see whether baicalein triggers autophagy and induces AMPK activation in glioma cells. The researchers found that baicalein can induce autophagy – that is, the body’s way of cleaning out damaged cells to regenerate healthier cells – in the glioma cells. In addition, treating glioma cells with baicalein also activated the AMPK pathway, one of the most important signaling networks for cell growth. This caused baicalein-induced autophagy and cell death. Researchers say this activation plays a vital role in the anti-cancer effect of baicalein.
“Surprisingly, our research provides new insight with the function of anticancer of [baicalein], and the potential of the promotion in glioma cell apoptosis might be related to autophagy activation,” they wrote in their report. “These results demonstrate the anticancer activity of [baicalein], which can be used as potential therapeutic agents for cancer therapy.” (Related: Cannabis oil saves infant from inoperable brain tumor.)
Despite the foreboding name, the Chinese skullcap is a member of the mint family and has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In traditional medicine, the roots of the plant, called huang qin, are used to treat conditions ranging from insomnia, anxiety and tension to inflammation, hepatitis and cardiovascular disease.
In addition to baicalein, research has shown that Chinese skullcap contains other active ingredients that provide health benefits. In a study published in Neuroscience Letters, researchers from China found that oroxylin A – an antioxidant present in the roots of Chinese skullcap – may prevent the development of brain plaques linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
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