Oroxylum indicum Vent. and its bioactive compound, baicalein against cancer cells: Mechanisms of action

Abstract

Oroxylum indicum Vent. is an endangered plant, broadly known for its nutritional and medicinal properties. This plant is widely distributed throughout India and Southeast Asia. It is used in the Ayurvedic formulations to treat various health-related problems. Studies have revealed that O. indicum possesses various therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepato-protective, anti-inflammatory, nephro-protective, and cardioprotective properties. O. indicum contains a diverse array of bioactive principles that are belonging to different classes, such as phenolics, terpenoids, flavonoids, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. The major bioactive principles found in this plant are baicalein, oroxylin A, chrysin, scutellarin, and ellagic acid. Among these compounds, baicalein is the most potent compound with high anticancer activity against various cell lines. Presently, cancer is one of the most primary causes of mortality and responsible for nearly 9.6 million deaths, worldwide. Therefore, it is very much important to control cancer globally. Various treatments like chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and various anticancer medicines are available for cancers; however, they are not effective and cause severe side effects. Thus, herbal medicines are the best way to treat various cancers. This chapter mainly emphasizes on the anticancer activity of O. indicum plant extract and its major compound, baicalein. Further, mechanisms of action of baicalein on different cancer cells are highlighted.