Baicalin

Baicalin is a flavone, a type of phenolic compound, found in several species in the genus Scutellaria, including Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria lateriflora. It is a known prodrug of baicalein.

Chemistry

Baicalin is a flavone glycoside, the glucuronide of baicalein, which is obtained through the binding of glucuronic acid to baicalein. It is primarily found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis and Scutellaria lateriflora. It is also reported in Oroxylum indicum.

Pharmacology

Baicalin, along with its aglycone baicalein, is a positive allosteric modulator of the benzodiazepine site and/or a non-benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor. In mice, baicalin produces anxiolytic effects without sedative or myorelaxant effects. It is thought that baicalin, along with other flavonoids, may underlie the anxiolytic effects of Scutellaria and Oroxylum species.

Research

Preliminary research indicates that baicalin can have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Other areas of research include the use of baicalin to prevent atherosclerosis, inhibit HIV-1 replication, and promote the proliferation of melanocytes in the skin.

See also

• Flavonoid
• Scutellaria baicalensis
• Scutellaria lateriflora
• Oroxylum indicum

References

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  Baicalin