Baicalin is a flavonoid purified from the medicinal plant Scutellaria baicalensis. It has been reported that baicalin exhibits antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The present study was undertaken to determine the underlying cellular mechanisms of baicalin action in preosteoclasts. The effects of this flavonoid on preosteoclasts were determined by measuring osteoclast generation and osteoclast activity in macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)-dependent bone marrow cells (MDBMCs) and in co-cultures of MDBMCs and osteoblasts. Osteoclast generation was assayed by measuring the number of tartrateresistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) (+) multinucleated cells after culture. Osteoclast activity was assayed by measuring the area of the resorption pit after culture. We found that osteoclast generation was induced by M-CSF and receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL), and by the 1.25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in our cultures. Baicalin decreased both osteoclast generation and activity in MDBM cultures and co-cultures indicating that it may inhibit bone resorption.

• Seon-Yle Ko(Department of Oral Biochemistry, School of Dentistry, Dankook University, The present research was conducted by the research fund of Dankook University in 2007) Corresponding author