Inhibitory effect of Scutellaria baicalensis ethanol extracts (SR) on chemical mediator release and immunoglobulin (Ig) production from Sprague-Dawley rats originated cells as type I allergic reaction was examined. SR showed concentration-dependent inhibition on basal and concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated Ig production. In the mesenteric lymph node lymphocytes, the inhibitory effect of SR on the IgE production in the presence of Con A was stronger than these on IgA and IgG production. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) production-inhibiting effect of SR in the presence ConA was observed. However, SR did not affect the production of interferon-γ. SR also inhibited histamine release from the peritoneal exudate cells stimulated with a calcium ionophore A23187. In the case of leukotriene B4, SR markedly inhibited it at the concentration of 100 mg/ml. From these results, ethanol extracts obtained from Scutellaria baicalensis may have an anti-allergic effect on the intestinal system of rats.

• Se-Young Choi
• Dong-Kug Choi
• Pyo-Jam Park
• Wahn-Soo Choi
• Jong-Dai Kim
• Heung-Mook Shin
• Beong-Ou Lim