The root of
Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, also called
Huangqin, is frequently used in
traditional Chinese medicine. In ancient
China, S. baicalensis root was used to clear
heat, protect the
fetus, and avoid a
miscarriage for thousands of years. In modern times,
pregnancy-related
diseases can seriously
affect maternal and fetal
health, but few systematic studies have explored the mechanisms and potential targets of S. baicalensis root in the
treatment of
pregnancy-related
diseases.
Flavonoids (baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A) and
flavonoid glycosides (baicalin and wogonoside) are the main chemical components in the root of S. baicalensis. This study presents the current
understanding of the major chemical components in the root of S. baicalensis, focusing on their traditional uses, potential
therapeutic effects and ethnopharmacological relevance to
pregnancy-related disorders. The mechanisms, potential targets and
experimental models of S. baicalensis root for ameliorating
pregnancy-related
diseases, such as recurrent
spontaneous abortion,
preeclampsia,
preterm birth,
fetal growth restriction and
gestational diabetes mellitus, are highlighted.