Baicalein
Flavonoid that dampens NF-κB/COX-2 inflammation, promotes autophagy, and suppresses EMT/MMP-driven invasion; evidence is largely preclinical.
Forms: Baicalein (purified) powder/capsules · Scutellaria baicalensis extract (baicalein/baicalin mixture)
Simple Summary
A multitarget plant flavonoid: baicalein quiets NF-κB/COX-2 inflammatory survival signals, provokes tumor-cell autophagy, and helps block EMT and invasion (MMP-2/9, angiogenesis). Evidence is promising but largely preclinical; achieving active levels usually needs concentrated extracts of baicalein (not just whole-herb).
Evidence at a glance
Strong mechanistic and in-vivo preclinical signals; minimal human clinical data to date.
How it may work
Baicalein is a flavonoid (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) enriched in Scutellaria baicalensis. It suppresses NF-κB and COX-2–linked inflammatory signaling, lowering cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and survival pathways. It can trigger autophagy (↑ Beclin-1/LC3-II; increased flux) and inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) by rebalancing E-cadherin/vimentin and reducing invasion. Additional actions include downregulation of MMP-2/MMP-9 and anti-angiogenic effects, which together may curb migration/metastasis. Most data are preclinical; concentrated, purified preparations are typically required for pharmacologic effects.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
- NF-κB signaling↓
- COX-2 (PTGS2)↓
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α)↓
- Autophagy↑↑ Beclin-1 / LC3-II; increased flux
- EMT↓E-cadherin↑ / vimentin↓; invasion↓
- MMP-2 / MMP-9↓
- Migration/Invasion↓
- Angiogenesis↓
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- Curcumin: Convergent NF-κB/cytokine suppression.
- EGCG: EMT/CSC program interference.
- Cisplatin: Chemosensitization in preclinical models.
Overlapping mechanisms
- NF-κB, Autophagy, EMT: Avoid stacking many agents with identical anti-inflammatory/antioxidant or EMT-targeting mechanisms without a rationale.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- anticoagulants / antiplateletsMonitorMinorTheoreticalPotential additive effects on hemostasis (preclinical/phenotypic).
- CYP-metabolized drugsMonitorMinorTheoreticalIn-vitro modulation of drug-metabolizing enzymes has been reported for related flavonoids; clinical significance unclear.
Timing
- Anytime: Consistent daily timing is more important than clock time.
- With food: Optional; some users prefer with meals for GI comfort.
References
Research
No published studies for Baicalein yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Trials studying Baicalein
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →