Study on the Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Extract and Fractions Based on Indicator Compound Content

The skin, as a barrier against environmental stressors, is highly affected by rapid industrialization and pollution, leading to oxidative stress, aging, and inflammation. Growing interest in natural antioxidants, especially in functional cosmetics, has highlighted the need for safe, effective alternatives to synthetic ingredients. Scutellaria baicalensis is traditionally known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but research on its specific fractions remains limited. This study explores both the overall and fraction-specific efficacy of Scutellaria baicalensis extract for potential use in skincare. This study summarizes the evaluation of various biological activities of Scutellaria baicalensis extract and its fractions. In the first stage, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities were investigated, identifying fractions with higher scavenging activity than the extract itself. In the second stage, cell viability was tested to determine concentrations that do not induce cytotoxicity. In RAW 264.7 macrophages, inflammation was induced using LPS, and the suppression of Nitrite production demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects. In HaCaT cells, skin inflammation was induced with TNF-α and IFN-γ, and the reduction in interleukin (IL)-6 production was observed. Additionally, specific fractions exhibited a significant ability to regulate key chemokines like IL-8, RANTES, and TARC. The study also showed that the inhibition of ICAM-1 expression helped control cellular adhesion in the early stages of inflammation. Moreover, HPLC analysis confirmed that specific fractions contained higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to the extract, reinforcing their potential as natural cosmetic ingredients. Scutellaria baicalensis fractions showed exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, even in small amounts, indicating their potential use in functional cosmetics and anti-aging products. Future studies are expected to explore the development of natural cosmetic ingredients from these fractions, contributing to the growth of the functional cosmetics and anti-aging market.