Selective fraction of Scutellaria baicalensis and its chemopreventive effects on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells

Based on our previous observation, the whole Scutellaria baicalensis extract (SbE) did not show significant breast cancer cell inhibitory effect. In this study, we isolated a baicalin-deprived-fraction (SbF1) of Scutellaria baicalensis, and baicalin-fraction (SbF3), and evaluated their anti-breast cancer properties using MCF-7 cells. The content of four flavonoids in extract/fractions were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. Analytical data showed that in SbF1, the major constituents are baicalein and wogonin, while SbF3 only contains baicalin. The antiproliferative effects of fractions and SbE were assayed using modified trichrome stain method. SbF1 showed significant antiproliferative effect. Treated with 100 μg/ml of SbF1 for 72 h inhibited MCF-7 cell growth by 81.6%, while in the same treatment concentration, SbF3 increased cell growth by 22.6%. SbF1 was recognized as an active fraction of SbE. The effects of four flavonoids in SbE, scutellarin, baicalin, baicalein and wogonin, were determined, and data showed that baicalein and wogonin significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell growth. In contrast, in certain concentrations, scutellarin and baicalin increased cancer cell growth. The effects of SbF1 on cell cycle and apoptosis were assayed using flow cytometry. SbF1 arrested MCF-7 cells in S- and G2/M-phases, and significantly increased induction of cell apoptosis. These combined phytochemical and biological data provide evidence for further chemopreventive studies of the baicalin-deprived SbE on breast cancer.