What Is Baicalin 85% Scutellaria baicalensis Root Extract - Feed Phytogenic / Natural Antioxidant? Applications, Dosage, Alternatives & Specifications

Baicalin, also known as Baicalein 7-O-glucuronide, is a flavonoid compound extracted and isolated from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a plant of the Lamiaceae family. Its molecular formula is C21H18O11 and its molecular weight is 446.36. The CAS number is 21967–41–9. Scutellaria baicalensis is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), with a long history of clinical application. As the main active component of Scutellaria baicalensis, baicalin exhibits multiple pharmacological effects including anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antipyretic, antihypertensive, choleretic, and diuretic activities. Baicalin exists primarily in the form of a glycoside in nature, and its aglycone is baicalein.

Physical Properties: Baicalin appears as light yellow to yellow crystalline powder, odorless, with an extremely bitter taste. Its melting point is 223–225°C (decomposition). It is soluble in boiling ethanol, slightly soluble in methanol or ethanol, very slightly soluble in chloroform, and insoluble in water or ether. It is soluble in alkaline solutions such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, and sodium hydroxide, but is unstable in alkaline solutions, gradually turning dark brown. The specific optical rotation [α]18D is +123° (c=0.2, pyridine-water).

As a flavonoid compound, baicalin exerts its pharmacological activities primarily through the following mechanisms: 1 Anti-inflammatory Effect: Baicalin exerts broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting NF-κB activation, reducing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and suppressing COX-2 expression. 2 Antioxidant Effect: Baicalin exhibits significant superoxide anion radical scavenging activity, ranking among the top flavonoid compounds in O2− scavenging capacity. It protects cells from oxidative damage through direct free radical scavenging and enhancement of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities. 3 Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects: Baicalin exhibits inhibitory effects against various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as antiviral activity against influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and others. 4 Hepatoprotective Effect: Baicalin protects against chemical-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. 5 Neuroprotective Effect: Baicalin can cross the blood-brain barrier and exert neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.