Flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are effective to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Based on previous studies that have shown flavonoids from the stems and leaves of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi are neuroprotective agents in a naturally senile,D-galactose,aging in vivo model,as well as an in vitro model of oxidative/hypoxic injury,we established a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model in rats by middle cerebral artery occlusion.The light/electron microscopic observations found significant neuropathological changes including neuron loss or swelling and rough endoplasmic reticulum injury.Moreover,the activities of lactate dehydrogenase,Na+-K+-ATPase,Ca2+-ATPase and superoxide dismutase were significantly lowered,and the levels of malonaldehyde increased.In addition,the memory of rats worsened.However,treatment with flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (35,70 and 140 mg/kg) for 13 days dramatically improved the above abnormal changes.These results suggest that the ability of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in attenuating cerebral functional and morphological consequences after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion may be beneficial for the treatment of ischemic brain disease.