Studies on Scutellariae Radix. III. : Effects on Lipid Metabolism in Serum, Liver and Fat Cells of Rats

The effects of Scutellariae Radix ("Ogon"in Japanese) and its flavone components on lipid metabolism in the rat were investigated. Wogonin inhibited deposition of liver triglyceride and increased serum HDL-cholesterol level in rats fed on corn oil-cholestcrolsodium cholate mixture. Skullcapflavone II reduced the serum total cholesterol level and liver triglyceride content, and increased serum HDL-cholesterol. Baicalein and baicalin reduced the serum free fatty acid and triglyceride levels and liver triglyceride content. In addition to the in vivo experiments, the effects of flavone components of Ogon on lipid metabolism in fat cells isolated from epididymal adipose tissue of rats were examined. Wogonin and baicalein selectively inhibited adrenaline-induced lipolysis, and baicalein and baicalin selectively activated ACTH-induced lipolysis in fat cells. Skullcapflavone II inhibited adrenaline-and ACTH-induced lipolysis and lipogenesis from glucose in fat cells.