Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Scutellaria Baicalensis

Backgrounds : Scutellaria baicalensis has been used as a medicinal plant to treat various disease conditions accompanying inflammatory response and oxidative stress. Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis against inflammatory, pain and edema Methods : In vitro, the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis against lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation were investigated in mouse BV2 microglial cells. In vivo, the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on acetic acid-induced writhing response, carrageenan-induced edema and the plantar test (nociceptive thermal stimulation) were investigated using rats and mice. Results : The present results showed that pre-treatment with the aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis suppressed the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 expressions in mouse BV2 microglial cells. The aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited acetic acid-induced abdominal pain in mice and also reduced thermal pain in rats. However, no significant inhibition on carrageenan-induced edema in rats. Conclusions : The present study showed that Scutellaria baicalensis possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.