The Inhibitory Effect of Scutellaria baicalensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Baicalin, on the Translocation of the Androgen Receptor with Implications for Preventing Androgenetic Alopecia.

Planta Med. 2014 Feb 4.
The Inhibitory Effect of Scutellaria baicalensis Extract and Its Active Compound, Baicalin, on the Translocation of the Androgen Receptor with Implications for Preventing Androgenetic Alopecia.
Kim AR1, Kim SN1, Jung IK2, Kim HH2, Park YH3, Park WS1.

Androgens affect several human skin and prostate functions, and the androgen receptor is crucial for regulating the androgen-related mechanisms. In this study, we assessed the antagonizing effects of a Scutellaria baicalensis extract and its main component baicalin on proliferation of human scalp dermal papilla cells. First, the extract and baicalin slightly dissociated the radioisotope-labeled androgen receptor-agonist complex in the androgen receptor binding assay, and the IC50 values were measured to assess the androgen receptor antagonistic effect of the extract (93 µg/mL) and baicalin (54.1 µM). Second, the extract and baicalin treatments dose-dependently inhibited the overgrowth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells, which were stimulated by dihydrotestosterone. Third, the extract and baicalin inhibited nuclear translocation of the androgen receptor stimulated by dihydrotestosterone in human dermal papilla cells. Additionally, the extract and baicalin enhanced proliferation of human dermal papilla cells in vitro. These results show that the extract and baicalin inhibited androgen activation signaling and promoted hDPC proliferation, suggesting that they could be used as active ingredients for treating androgen-associated disorders, such as androgenetic alopecia.

baicalin

Wow, nice find CS. Thanks.

Chinese skullcap could promote hair growth, wow.

Am J Chin Med. 2014;42(1):79-94. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X14500050.
Baicalein Protects Cardiomyocytes Against Mitochondrial Oxidant Injury Associated with JNK Inhibition and Mitochondrial Akt Activation.
Huang HH, Shao ZH, Li CQ, Vanden Hoek TL, Li J.

Baicalein, a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses cardioprotection against oxidant injury by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). Few studies investigate whether baicalein protection is mediated by attenuating mitochondrial ROS and modulating the prosurvival and proapoptotic signaling. Primary cultured chick cardiomyocytes were used to study the role of baicalein in mitochondrial superoxide [Formula: see text] generation and signaling of Akt and JNK. Cells were exposed to H 2 O 2 for 2 h and baicalein was given 2 h prior to and during 2 h of H 2 O 2 exposure. Cell viability was assessed by propidium iodide and DNA fragmentation. H 2 O 2 (500 μM) significantly induced 45.3 ± 6.2% of cell death compared to the control (p < 0.001) and resulted in DNA laddering. Baicalein (10, 25 or 50 μM) dose-dependently reduced the cell death to 38.7 ± 5.6% (p = 0.226); 31.2 ± 3.9% (p < 0.01); 30.3 ± 5.3% (p < 0.01), respectively. It also attenuated DNA laddering. Further, baicalein decreased intracellular ROS and mitochondrial [Formula: see text] generation that was confirmed by superoxide dismutase PEG-SOD and mitochondria electron transport chain complex III inhibitor stigmatellin. In addition, baicalein increased Akt phosphorylation and decreased JNK phosphorylation in H 2 O 2-exposed cells. Moreover, baicalein augmented mitochondrial phosphorylation of Akt Thr308 and GSK3β Ser9, and prevented mitochondrial cytochrome c release assessed by cellular fractionation. Our results suggest that baicalein cardioprotection may involve an attenuation of mitochondrial [Formula: see text] and an increase in mitochondrial phosphorylation of Akt and GSK3β while decreasing JNK activation.

Hi Caustic,

A year ago I sent an email to Nidhogge to let him know about baicalein (extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis) that is already used successfully in France. The product is already on sale. I thought that would be an nice add to your Rejuveplex.

Here is a link:

http://www.centre-clauderer.com/en/clauderer-treatments/baicalein.htm

Malik - Thanks will be looking into it

In Vivo. 2013 Nov-Dec;27(6):707-14.
Baicalin scavenges reactive oxygen species and protects human keratinocytes against UVC-induced cytotoxicity.
Wang SC, Chen SF, Lee YM, Chuang CL, Bau DT, Lin SS.

Long-term exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause multiple skin disorders, including skin cancer. Protection against UV-induced damage is, therefore, a worldwide concern. Baicalin, a major component of traditional Chinese medicine Scutellaria baicalensis, has been reported to have antioxidant and cytostatic effects on normal epithelial and normal peripheral blood and myeloid cells. In the current study, we examined whether baicalin could also effectively protect human keratinocytes from damaging short-wave UVC irradiation. Baicalin-scavenged reactive oxygen species increased within 2 h after UVC radiation. Baicalin also abrogated UVC-induced apoptosis. In addition, we identified the major products after UVC radiation with T4 UV endonuclease, finding that baicalin prevented cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer formation induced by UVC. Furthermore, baicalin also prevented formation of oxidative adducts induced by UVC. Our results demonstrated the utility of baicalin in assessing the potential contribution of traditional Chinese medicinal agents in therapy of UVC-induced genomic damage to skin and suggest potential application of these agents as pharmaceuticals in prevention of solar-induced skin damage.