ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analysis the effects of water deficit on the transcript level of SOD, APX, DHAR and MDHAR genes in Scutellaria baicalensis.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Three-month-old S. baicalensis was in glasshouse under water deficit stress, and the transcript level of SOD, APX, DHAR and MDHAR genes were analysis utilized semi-quantitative RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the control group, a significant decline of the transcriptional level of APX gene was observed at 70 days after water deficit. The transcript level of DHAR gene was reduced at 30 and 50 days after water deficit. And MDHARI gene was significant declined at 50 days.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>AsA which is an important antioxidant plays a major role in hydrogen peroxide clear system under water deficit, and maybe have an antagonistic effect to the accumulation of baicalein.</p>