Apoptosis of HIV-infected cells following treatment with Sho-Saiko-to and its components.

Baicalein and baicalin are components of Sho-saiko-to (SST), a Chinese medical drug which is claimed to be therapeutically effective in treating HIV-infected patients. Although 20 micrograms/ml of baicalin was not cytotoxic to CEM cells, a cultured T cell line, it proved to be cytotoxic to HIV-infected CEM cells (CEM-HIV) with a higher HIV-releasing capacity and DNA fragmentation was detected within 24 hr of incubation. However, after incubation of CEM-HIV with a lower dose of baicalin (0.1, 0.3 and 2 micrograms/ml) for 24 and 48 hr, the viable cell number increased by about 25% and the p24 release into the medium was 25% lower than that of the control. After further incubation in the presence of the agent for 6 and 9 days, only cells with a lower HIV-releasing capacity survived. Baicalin might selectively induce apoptosis of CEM-HIV cells which have a high virus-releasing capacity, and stimulate proliferation of CEM-HIV which have a relatively lower capacity of HIV-production.