Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

An Evidence-based Perspective of Scutellaria Barbata (Skullcap) for Cancer Patients

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Evidence-based Anticancer Materia Medica

  • 1085 Accesses

Abstract

Scutellaria barbata (skullcap) has been used in traditional Chinese and Korean medicine for treating various inflammation illnesses and cancers. In vitro studies have demonstrated the anti-mutagenesis (chemo-preventive) effect of skullcap via modulating the metabolism of mutagenic compounds such as aflatoxin B1 and benzo[a]pyrene to reduce their DNA binding efficiency. In vitro and in vivo studies using flavonoid compound of skullcap in both human and animal models have shown promising anticancer effects. The aqueous extract of skullcap has shown to have the most effective anticancer chemical constituents. In vitro studies indicated that skullcap might be effective against all three stages of carcinogenesis (initiation, promotion, and progression). It has also been found to exert anticancer mechanisms such as anti-inflammation, anti-proliferation, induction of apoptosis against numerous cancer cell lines including digestive (liver and colorectal), respiratory (lung and nasopharyngeal), and lymphatic (leukemia) systems, and induction of sex hormone-specific glycolytic necrosis, especially those of the reproductive system (breast, uterine, and prostate) while inactive on normal human mammary epithelial cells. In vivo murine model showed aqueous extract of skullcap may enhance macrophage cell line activity leading to inhibition of tumor growth. It has also been shown to inhibit aberrant crypt formation in colon, delay prostate cancer development and progression in transgenic adenocarcinoma of mouse prostate mice, and reduced solid ascites tumor proliferation in the breast of mice. Aqueous extracts of skullcap have been found to have a favorable toxicity profile when used as an oral feeding in Phase 1 and 1B clinical studies in metastatic breast cancer patients. Based on the studies reported on skullcap, the best prospective therapeutic application of skullcap would be in breast, prostate, liver, colorectal, uterine, and lung cancer patients.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 179.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 229.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Bui-Xuan, N. H., Tang, P. M., Wong, C. K., et al. (2010). Photo-activated pheophorbide-a, an active component of Scutellaria barbata, enhances apoptosis via the suppression of ERK-mediated autophagy in the estrogen receptor-negative human breast adenocarcinoma cells MDA-MB-231. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 13, 95–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell, M. J., Hamilton, B., Shoemaker, M., et al. (2002). Antiproliferative activity of Chinese medicinal herbs on breast cancer cells in vitro. Anticancer Research, 22, 3843–3852.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cha, Y., Lee, E., Lee, H., et al. (2004). Methylene chloride fraction of Scutellaria barbata induces apoptosis in human U937 leukemia cells via the mitochondrial signaling pathways. Clinica Chimica Acta; International Journal of Clinical Chemistry, 348, 41–48.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, J. Y., Tang, P. M., Hon, P. M., et al. (2006). Pheophorbide-a, a major anti-cancer component purified from Scutellaria barbata, induces apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Planta Medica, 72, 28–33.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, L. G., Hung, L. Y., Tsai, K. W., et al. (2008). Wogonin, a bioactive flavonoid in herbal teainhibits inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 gene expression in human lung epithelial cancer cells. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 52, 1349–1357.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chong, S. C., & Lee H. (1988). Chinese medicinal herbs of Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Commercial Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chui, C. H., Lau, F. Y., Tang, J. C., et al. (2005). Activities of fresh juice of Scutellaria barbata and warmed water extract of Radix Sophorae Tonkinensis on anti-proliferation and apoptosis of human cancer cell lines. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 16, 337–341.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Chen, M., Liu, K., et al. (2006a). Four new neo-clerodane diterpenoid alkaloids from Scutellaria barbata with cytotoxic activities. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo), 54, 869–872.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Tao, J. Y., Liu, K., et al. (2006b). Neo-clerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata with cytotoxic activities. Phytochemistry, 67, 1326–1330.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Sun, J. Y., Ren, Y., et al. (2007a). Bioactive ent-clerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata. Planta Medica, 73, 1217–1220.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Wang, G. F., Chen, M., et al. (2007b). Five new neo-clerodane diterpenoid alkaloids from Scutellaria barbata with cytotoxic activities. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin (Tokyo), 55, 1218–1221.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Shen, L., & Ren, Y. (2008). Two new neo-clerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata. Journal of Integrrative Plant Biology, 50, 699–702.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, Z. J., Liu, X. X., Xue, Q., et al. (2008a). Anti-proliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity of Scutellaria barbata drug-containing serum on mouse’s hepatoma H22 cells. Zhong Yao Cai, 31, 550–553.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dai, Z. J., Wang, X. J., Xue, Q., et al. (2008b). Effects of Scutellaria barbata drug-containing serum on apoptosis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential of hepatoma H22 cells. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao, 6, 821–826.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, Z. J., Wang, Z. J., Li, Z. F., et al. (2008c). Scutellaria barbata extract induces apoptosis of hepatoma H22 cells via the mitochondrial pathway involving caspase-3. World Journal of Gastroenterology: WJG, 14, 7321–7328.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Pheng, W. B., Shen, L., et al. (2009a). Two new neo-clerodane diterpenoid alkaloids from Scutellaria barbata with cytotoxic activities. Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 11, 451–456.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Pheng, W. B., Zhang, D. W., et al. (2009b). Cytotoxic neo-clerodane diterpenoids alkaloids from Scutellaria barbata. Journal of Natural Products, 72, 1793–1797.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dai, S. J., Qu, G. W., Yu, Q. Y., et al. (2010). New neo-clerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata with cytotoxic activities. Fitoterapia, 81, 737–741.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fong, S., Shoemaker, M., Cadaoas, J., et al. (2008). Molecular mechanisms underlying selective cytotoxic activity of BZL101, an extract of Scutellaria barbata, towards breast cancer cells. Cancer Biology & Therapy, 7, 577–586.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gingrich, J. R., Barrios, J. R., Morton, R. A., et al. (1996). Metastatic prostate cancer in a transgenic mouse. Cancer Research, 56, 4096–4102.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gingrich, J. R., Barrios, J. R., Kattan, M. W., et al. (1997). Androgen-independent prostate cancer progression in the TRAMP model. Cancer Research, 57, 4687–4691.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goh, D., Lee, Y. H., & Ong, E. S. (2005). Inhibitory effects of a chemically standardized extract from Scutellaria barbata in human colon cancer cell lines, LoVo. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 53, 8197–8204.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, S., Ahmad, N., Marengo, S. R., et al. (2000). Chemoprevention of prostate carcinogenesis by x-difluoromethylornithine in TRAMP mice. Cancer Research, 60, 5125–5133.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Han, F., Hu, J., & Xu, H. (1997). Effects of some Chinese herbal medicine and green tea antagonizing mutagenesis caused by cigarette tar. Zhonghua yu fang yi xue za zhi [Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine], 31, 71–74.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harris, G. K., Sharra, D. C., Leonard, S. S., et al. (2003). Effects of the Chinese medicinal herb Scutellaria barbata on cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In: Proceedings of the 94th Annual Meeting American Association of Cancer Research, 2003 April, Washington, DC. Philadelphia, PA: AACR, 44, 1419.

    Google Scholar 

  • Huang, K. C. (1999). The pharmacology of Chinese herbs. Boca Raton: CRC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jemal, A., Siegel, R., Ward, E., et al. (2010). Cancer statistics, 2010. C CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 60, 277–300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jiangsu New Medical College. (1977). Dictionary of Chinese Materia Medica. Shanghai: Science and Technology Press of Shanghai.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim, D., Lee, T., Lim, I., et al. (2005). Regulation of IGF-I production and proliferation of human leiomyomal smooth muscle cells by Scutellaria barbata D. Don. in vitro: Isolation of flavonoids of apigenin and luteolon as acting compounds. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 205, 213–224.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, E. K., Kwon, K. B., Han, M. J., et al. (2007a). Induction of G1 arrest and apoptosis by Scutellaria barbata in the human promyeloctyic leukemia HL-60 cell line. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 20, 123–128.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, J. H., Lee, E. O., Lee, H. J., et al. (2007b). Caspase activation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase/Akt inhibition were involved in luteolin-induced apoptosis in Lewis lung carcinoma cells. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1095, 598–611.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, K. W., Jin, U. H., Kim, D. I., et al. (2008). Antiproliferation effect of Scutellaria barbata D. Don. On cultured human uterine leiomyoma cells by down-regulation of the expression of Bcl-2 protein. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 22, 583–590.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lau, F. Y., Chui, G. H., Gambari, R., et al. (2005). Antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity of Brucea javanica extract on human carcinoma cell. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 16, 1157–1162.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, T. K., Cho, H. L., Kim, D. I., et al. (2004a). Scutellaria barbata D. Don induces c-fos gene expression in human uterine leiomyomal cells by activating beta2-adrenergic receptors. International Journal of Gynecological Cancer: Official Journal of the International Gynecological Cancer Society, 14, 526–531.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, T. K., Kim, D. I., Han, J. Y., et al. (2004b). Inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbata D. Don and Euonymus alatus Sieb aromatase activity of human leiomyomal cells. Cycle analysis. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 26, 315–327.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, T. K., Kim, D. I., Song, Y. L., et al. (2004c). Differential inhibition of Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Laminaceae) on HCG-promoted proliferation of cultured uterine leiomyomal and myometrial smooth muscle cells. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 26, 329–342.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, T. K., Lee, D. K., Kim, D. I., et al. (2004d). Inhibitory effects of Scutellaria barbata D. Don on human uterine leiomyomal proliferation through cell cycle analysis. International Immunonopharmacology, 4, 447–454.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, H., Kim, Y., Choi, I., et al. (2010). Two novel neo-clerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata. Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 20, 288–290.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lin, J. M., Liu Y, & Luo R. C. (2006a). Effect of Scutellaria barbata extract against human hepatocellular Hep-G2 cell proliferation and its mechanism. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao, 26, 975–977.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lin, J. M., Liu, Y., & Luo, R. C. (2006b). Inhibitory effect of Scutellaria barbata extracts against human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao, 26, 591–593.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marconett, C. N., Morgenstern, T. J., San Roman, A. K., et al. (2010). BZL 101, a phytochemcial extract form the Scutellaria barbata plant, disrupts proliferation of human breast and prostate cancer cells through distinct mechanisms dependent on the cancer cell phenotype. Cancer Biology & Therapy, 10, 397–405.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Newman, D. J., & Cragg, G. M. (2007). Natural products as sources of new drugs over the last 25 years. Journal of Natural Products, 70, 461–477.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Newman, D. J., Cragg, G. M., & Snader, K. M. (2003). Natural products as sources of new drugs over the period 1981–2002. Journal of Natural Products, 66, 1022–1037.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nguyen, D. L., Devadhason, R. R., & Wong, B. Y. (2008). Dosage-dependent regulation of caspase 8 activation in LNCaP and DU145 human prostate cancer cell lines by the Chinese medicinal herb Scutellaria barbata. 7th Annual AACR International Conference of Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, A39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perez, A. T., Arun, B., Tripathy, D., et al. (2010). A phase 1B dose escalation trial of Scutellaria barbata (BZL101) for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 120, 111–118.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Powell, C. B., Fung, P., Jackson, J., et al. (2003). Aqueous extract of herba Scutellaria barbatae, a Chinese herb used for ovarian cancer, induces apoptosis of ovarian cancer cell lines. Gynecologic Oncology, 91, 332–340.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rugo, H., Shtivelman, E., Perez, A., et al. (2007). Phase I trial and antitumor effects of BZL101 for patients with advance breast cancer. Breast Cancer Research: BCR, 105, 17–28.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shoemaker, M., Hamilton, B., Dairkee, S. H., et al. (2005). In vitro anticancer activity of twelve Chinese medicinal herbs. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 19, 649–651.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, M. R., & Kantoff, P. W. (2001). Molecular biology of prostate cancer. In J. Mendelsohn, P. M. Howley, M. A. Israel, & L. A. Liotta (Eds.), The molecular basis of cancer (2nd ed., pp. 343–360). Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company.

    Google Scholar 

  • Suh, S. J., Yoon, J. W., Lee, T. K., et al. (2007). Chemoprevention of Scutellaria barbata on human cancer cells and tumorigenesis in skin cancer. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 21, 135–141.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, P. M., Chan, J. Y., Au, S. W., et al. (2006). Pheophorbide a, an active component in Scutellaria barbata, possesses photodynamic activities by inducing apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Biology & Therapy, 5, 1111–1116.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, P. M., Chan, J. Y., Zhang, D. M., et al. (2007). Pheophorbide a, an active component in Scutellaria barbata, reverses P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance on a human hepatoma cell line R-HepG2. Cancer Biology & Therapy, 6, 504–509.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tang, W., & Eisenbrand G. (1992). Chinese drugs of plant origin: Chemistry, pharmacology and use in traditional and modern medicine. Berlin: Springer.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • The Pharmacopoeia Commission of PRC. (2000). Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (English Edition). Beijing: People’s Republic of China.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wei, P. Y., Pu, H. Q, Wei, X., et al. (2007). Apoptosis-induced effect of Scutellaria barbata extract on human lung cancer SPC-A-1 cells and the expression of apoptosis associated genes. Zhong Yao Cai, 30, 1270–1273.

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Lau, B. H., & Teel, R. W. (1992a). Chinese medicinal herbs modulate mutagenesis, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 6, 10–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Lau, B. H., & Teel, R. W. (1992b). Chinese medicinal herbs modulate mutagenesis, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene 7,8-dihydrodiol and benzo[a]pyrene 7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide. Cancer letters, 62, 123–131.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong B. Y., Lau, B. H., Tadi, P. P., et al. (1992c). Chinese medicinal herbs modulate mutagenesis, DNA binding and metabolism of aflatoxin B1. Mutation Research, 279, 209–216.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Lau, B. H., Yamasaki, T., et al. (1993a). Inhibition of dexamethasone-induced cytochrome P450-mediated mutagenicity and metabolism of aflatoxin B1 by Chinese medicinal herbs. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2, 351–356.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Lau, B. H., Yamasaki, T., et al. (1993b). Modulation of cytochrome P450IA1-mediated mutagenicity, DNA binding and metabolism of benzo[a]pyrene by Chinese medicinal herbs. Cancer Letters, 68, 75–82.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Jia, T. Y., Wan, C. P., et al. (1996). Oldenlandia diffusa and Scutellaria barbata augment macrophage oxidative burst and inhibit tumor growth. Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals, 11, 51–56.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Nguyen, D. L., Cabrera, I. B., et al. (2007). Modulation of apoptosis via the induction of caspase 3, 8, and 9 in LNCaP cells by two Chinese medicinal herbs Scutellaria barbata and Oldenlandia diffusa. 6th Annual AACR International Conference of Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, 112, A135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Nguyen, D. L., Lin, T., et al. (2009). Chinese medicinal herb Scutellaria barbata modulates apoptosis and cell survival in murine and human prostate cancer cells and tumor development in TRAMP mice. European journal of cancer prevention: The Official Journal of the European Cancer Prevention Organisation (ECP), 18, 331–341.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, B. Y., Kim, L. Y., Kim, B. Y., et al. (2010). Inhibition of azoxymethane-induced aberrant crypt foci in C57BL/6 mice by the Chinese medicinal herbs Scutellaria barbata. 101st Annual Meeting American Association of Cancer Research 2010, A5677.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, Y, & Chen, D. F. (2009). Anti-complementary effect of polysaccharide B3-PS1 in Herba Scutellariae barbatae (Scutelllaria barbata). Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology, 30, 696–701.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yin, X., Zhou, X., Jie, C., et al. (2004). Anti-cancer activity and mechanism of Scutellaria barbata extract on human cancer cell lines A549. Life Sciences, 75, 2233–2244.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, J., Liu, H., Lei, J., et al. (2007). Antitumor activity of chloroform fraction of Scutellaria barbata and its active constituent. Phytotherapy Research: PTR, 21, 817–822.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, F., Di, Y. T., Liu, L. L., et al. (2010). Cytotoxic neoclerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria barbata. Journal of Natural Products, 73, 233–236.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, Y. P. (1998). Chinese materia medica: Chemistry, pharmacology and applications. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Harwood Academic, 1998.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Pacific Union College, 1 Angwin Avenue, 94508, Angwin, CA, USA

    Brian Y. Y. Wong

  2. Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

    Hannah H. L. Wong

Authors
  1. Brian Y. Y. Wong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Hannah H. L. Wong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brian Y. Y. Wong .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gascoigne Road 30, Kowloon, Hong Kong/PR China

    William C.S. Cho

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wong, B.Y., Wong, H.H. (2011). An Evidence-based Perspective of Scutellaria Barbata (Skullcap) for Cancer Patients. In: Cho, W. (eds) Evidence-based Anticancer Materia Medica. Evidence-based Anticancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0526-5_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation