Progress in the development of baicalein and its clinical pharmacology study

ABSTRACT

The 2019 new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) infection has become a global pandemic, and currently there is a lack of specific antiviral drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine plays a critical role in the treatment of COVID-19. Scutellaria baicalensis is an important component of the Qingfei Paidu decoction recommended in the Chinese National Health Commission's Treatment Regimen and Wuhan Xiehe No.2 and No.3 prescriptions as well. Baicalein is the main ingredient in Scutellaria baicalensis, and has various pharmacological effects such as antiviral, antibacterial, antiallergic, and immunomodulatory activities, showing a broad prospect in new drug development. This article systemically reviewed the recent progress in the preclinical and clinical studies, potential drug interactions, and other aspects of baicalein, which will help further development and clinical application of the drug.