Synergistic effect of Scutellaria baicalensis and grape seed proanthocyanidins on scavenging reactive oxygen species in vitro

Am J Chin Med. 2004;32(1):89-95. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X04001722.

Abstract

Scutellaria baicalensis (SbE) is a commonly used Chinese herb medicine and grape seed proanthocyanidins is a popular herbal supplement in the United States. Both herbs have been shown to possess potent antioxidant effects. Using an in vitro model to produce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (H2O2/FeSO4 for hydroxyl radicals, xanthine/xanthine oxidase for suproxide), we observed that Scutellaria baicalensis and grape seed proanthocyanidins acted synergistically to scavenge ROS. Our data suggest that a combination of these two herbs can potentially enhance their antioxidant efficacy, allowing lower dosages of each drug to be used. This has the advantage of avoiding possible side effects that may arise when higher doses of a single herb are used in an attempt to achieve a maximum degree of antioxidant activity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Drug Synergism
  • Free Radical Scavengers / administration & dosage
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology*
  • Free Radical Scavengers / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / chemistry
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Plant Roots
  • Proanthocyanidins / administration & dosage
  • Proanthocyanidins / pharmacology*
  • Proanthocyanidins / therapeutic use
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / chemistry*
  • Scutellaria baicalensis*
  • Seeds
  • Vitis*

Substances

  • Fenton's reagent
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Plant Extracts
  • Proanthocyanidins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Iron