Flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis: Promising Alternatives for Enhancing Swine Production and Health

Abstract

Concerns over vaccine safety, bacterial resistance, and drug residues have led to increased interest in plant extracts for improving swine nutrition and health. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, rich in four primary flavonoids—baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin—demonstrates significant pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral activities in swine. These flavonoids have been shown to enhance growth performance, improve immunity, modulate gut microbiota, and aid in the prevention and treatment of various diseases. This review highlights the pharmacological effects of these flavonoids in swine, with a focus on network pharmacology to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms. By constructing drug-target networks and identifying key signaling pathways, the review reveals how these flavonoids interact with biological systems to promote health. Furthermore, it discusses the practical applications of Scutellaria baicalensis flavonoids in swine production and outlines potential future research directions. This work provides a theoretical framework for understanding the therapeutic targets of these flavonoids, offering valuable insights for advancing sustainable and healthy pig farming practices.