Inhibition of Cancer Cell Proliferation and Prostaglandin E₂ Synthesis by Scutellaria Baicalensis

Abstract

Scutellaria baicalensis is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine that has been used historically in anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapy. The purpose of this study is to verify its anticancer activity on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro and in vivo and to investigate its effect on cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and is highly expressed in HNSCC. Two human HNSCC cell lines (SCC-25 and KB) and a nontumorigenic cell line (HaCaT) were tested in vitro for growth inhibition, proliferation cell nuclear antigen expression, and COX-2 activity and expression after treatment with Scutellaria baicalensis extract. Its effects were compared with those of baicalein (a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis), indomethacin (a nonselective COX inhibitor), and celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor). Four nude mice with s.c. inoculation of KB cells were tested for its anticancer activity in vivo by oral administration of Scutellaria baicalensis at a dose of 1.5 mg/mouse (75 mg/kg), five times/week for 7 weeks. Scutellaria baicalensis and other agents demonstrated a strong growth inhibition in both tested human HNSCC cell lines. No growth inhibition of HaCaT cells was observed with Scutellaria baicalensis. The IC₅₀s were 150 μg/ml for Scutellaria baicalensis, 25 μm for celecoxib, and 75 μm for baicalein and indomethacin. Scutellaria baicalensis, as well as celecoxib and indomethacin, but not baicalein, suppressed proliferation cell nuclear antigen expression and PGE₂ synthesis in both cell types. Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited COX-2 expression, whereas celecoxib inhibited COX-2 activity directly. A 66% reduction in tumor mass was observed in the nude mice. Scutellaria baicalensis selectively and effectively inhibits cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo and can be an effective chemotherapeutic agent for HNSCC. Inhibition of PGE₂ synthesis via suppression of COX-2 expression may be responsible for its anticancer activity. Differences in biological effects of Scutellaria baicalensis compared with baicalein suggest the synergistic effects among components in Scutellaria baicalensis.