Home

Network Biology, 2027, 17(1): 1-19
[XML] [EndNote] [RefManager] [BibTex] [ Full PDF (2833K)] [Comment/Review Article]

Article

Baicalein: Molecular mechanisms, pharmacological properties, clinical applications, and challenges

WenJun Zhang
School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China

Received 24 February 2026;Accepted 27 March 2026;Published online 15 April 2026;Published 1 March 2027
IAEES

Abstract
Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone), a major bioactive flavonoid aglycone derived primarily from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz, has garnered significant scientific interest over the past decades due to its diverse and potent pharmacological activities. This comprehensive review systematically examines the multifaceted aspects of baicalein, encompassing its discovery, natural sources, chemical properties, extraction and purification methods, and challenging pharmacokinetic profile. The review delves deeply into the extensive spectrum of its pharmacological effects and underlying molecular mechanisms, including its potent anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, renoprotective, anti-diabetic, and anti-microbial activities. Furthermore, it provides an up-to-date synthesis of available clinical trial data, safety evaluations, and quality control standards. Despite its remarkable therapeutic potential, the clinical translation of baicalein is significantly hampered by intrinsic challenges, primarily its poor water solubility, low oral bioavailability, and extensive first-pass metabolism. This review critically discusses these obstacles, explores current nanoformulation strategies designed to overcome them, and outlines future research directions necessary to harness the full therapeutic power of this promising natural compound.

Keywords baicalein;Scutellaria baicalensis;Oroxylum indicum;flavonoids;pharmacokinetics;bioavailability;anti-cancer;neuroprotection;clinical trials.


International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. E-mail: office@iaees.org
Copyright © 2009-2026 International Academy of Ecology and Environmental Sciences. All rights reserved.
Web administrator: office@iaees.org, website@iaees.org; Last modified: 2026/4/30


Translate page to: