Exploring the chemopreventive properties and perspectives of baicalin and its aglycone baicalein in solid tumors.
Wei-yi Gong#, Zheng-xiao Zhao#, Bao-jun Liu, Lin-wei Lu, Jing-cheng Dong*
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. 2016 Dec 1;126:844-852.
Solid tumors contain a huge mass of malignant tumors other than hematological malignancies. Novel therapies based on bio-safe agents against solid tumors are urgently required. Baicalin and its aglycone baicalein, the major bioactive flavones derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, have potential roles in the management of cancer. The chemopreventive properties governed by baicalin and baicalein were multifold, via apoptosis induction, autophagy triggering, cell cycle arrest, inhibition of 12-lipoxygenase and metastasis suppression. However, their poor solubility and low oral bioavailability severely limited the clinical application. This extensive review focused on the promising anti-cancer activities of baicalin and baicalein and new techniques to improve their bioavailability.
