Antimutagenic and antiradical properties of flavones from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis georgi.

The four flavonoids baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin have been isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis (Lamiaceae) root extract as main bioactive components. We evaluated their antimutagenic activity as potential chemopreventive natural substances using the Ames test. Free radical scavenging properties have also been measured with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. Both crude extract and isolated flavone glycosides and aglycones have antimutagenic and free radical scavenging properties. The lipophilic flavone baicalein has been confirmed to be the most powerful antimutagen among the compounds tested.