Asian Journal
Of Traditional Medicines

Abstract: The effects of baicalin ( the dry root extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi ) on the isolated smooth muscle of the guinea pig colon and their possible mechanisms were investigated. The isolated organ method was adopted. The efficacy was recorded and analyzed by biological signal collection and analysis recording. Baicalin inhibited the spontaneous contraction of guinea pig colon, and antagonized the contractions of the isolated guinea pig colon induced by BaCl₂ (2 mg/ml), KCl (60 mM), and acetylcholine (10^-5 M) in a manner that was concentration-dependent. The relaxant response of baicalin to BaCl₂ was not related to adrenergic receptors, K⁺ channels or PG, but the contraction induced by CaCl₂ (10^-5 M to 3×10^-2 M) was inhibited by baicalin. The effect of baicalin, like verapamil (10^-7 Mol/L), is related its effect on potential-dependent calcium channels.

Key words: baicalin, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, anti-spasmolytic activity, colon smooth muscle