Recent advances in Scutellariae radix: A comprehensive review on ethnobotanical uses, processing, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, quality control and influence factors of biosynthesis
Wentao Ma,
Tianyu Liu,
Omachi Daniel Ogaji,
Jin Li,
Kunze Du,
Yanxu Chang
Affiliations
Wentao Ma
State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
Tianyu Liu
State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
Omachi Daniel Ogaji
State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
Jin Li
State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
Kunze Du
State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
Yanxu Chang
State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Pharmaceutical Analysis, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Haihe Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China; Corresponding author. State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China.
Background: Scutellariae radix (SR) is the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. It has a long history of ethnic medicinal use, traditionally recognized for its efficacy in clearing heat， drying dampness, eliminating fire， removing toxins, stopping bleeding and tranquilizing fetus to prevent miscarriage. Clinically, it is used to treat cold, fever, migraine, hand-foot-and-mouth diseases, liver cancer and inflammatory diseases. Purpose: The review aims to provide a comprehensive reference on the ethnobotanical uses, processing, phytochemistry, pharmacological effect, quality control and influence factors of biosynthesis for a deeper understanding of SR. Results and conclusion: A total of 210 isolated components have been reported in the literature, including flavonoids and their glycosides, phenylpropanoids, phenylethanoid glycosides, phenolic acids, volatile components, polysaccharides and others. The extract of SR and its main flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, wogonoside, and scutellarin showed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects. However, further studies are required to elucidate its mechanisms of action and clinical applications. The pharmacodynamic evaluation based on traditional efficacy should be conducted. Although various analytical methods have been established for the quality control of SR, there are gaps in the research regarding efficacy-related quality markers and the development of quality control standards for its processed products. The regulatory mechanisms of flavonoids biosynthesis remain to be explored while the influence of environmental and transcription factors on the biosynthesis have been studied. In conclusion, SR is a promising herbal medicine with significant potential for future development.
