Scutellaria baicalensis - A small plant with large pro-health biological activities

Abstract

Scutellaria baicalensis, known also as Huang-Qin is a traditional Chinese plant used in medicine for at least 2000 years. The plant is widely distributed in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Russia, and is listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, European Pharmacopoeia and British Pharmacopoeia. The interest in Huang-Qin results from various biological activities which are primarily related to secondary plants metabolites consisting of flavonoids, phenolic compounds and terpenes. It is known that the compounds are active against numerous diseases and protect the organism against harmful pathogenic agents. Particular attention is paid to baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A - which are characteristic secondary metabolites of the plant. In this paper, we focused on phytochemical analysis and selected biological activities used in periodontal and cardiovascular problems. The presented studies confirm the ability of Huang-Qin to scavenge free radicals, moreover, that it presents anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and enzyme inhibitory activities.