The Extraction, Anticancer Effect, Bioavailability, and Nanotechnology of Baicalin.

Ondrea A Moore

doi:10.23937/2572-3278.1510011

Abstract

The dried root of Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has been historically and widely used in traditional Eastern medicine. Modern science proved that baicalin is the major bioactive responsible for the physiological activity of Baikal skullcap. Baicalin, a flavonoid found in several species in the genus Scutellaria, has been regarded as a potent anticancer agent. In this review, we present the main extraction methods, anticancer activity and bioavailability of baicalin. Besides, the utilization of nanotechnology to improve the bioavailability of baicalin is also mentioned.

Highlights

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body
The results showed that selection of the modifier was the main factor in attaining higher yields of baicalin. 1,2-Propanediol-modified supercritical fluid was more effective than 95% ethanolmodified supercritical carbon dioxide or methanol-modified supercritical carbon dioxide for the extraction of baicalin from the solid matrix [18]
Neovascularization is absolutely required for solid tumor expansion, as the proliferation, as well as metastatic spread, of cancer cells depends on an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients and the removal of waste products

Summary

Introduction

Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Heat reflux extraction (HRE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) are three most widely used extraction methods. Nanoformulation of herbal medicines possess benefits, such as improving solubility, enhancing bioavailability, increasing absorbency of the organism, reducing medicinal herb doses, and achieving steady-state therapeutic levels of drugs over an extended period compared with traditional herbal medicine preparations [12]. The extraction, anticancer activity, bioavailability, and the application of nanotechnology to increase the bioavailability of baicalin are described.

Results

Conclusion