Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2023;21(8):563-575

doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(23)60401-7

Scutellaria baicalensis: a promising natural source of antiviral compounds for the treatment of viral diseases.

Qiuju HUANG 1 ; Muyang WANG 2 ; Min WANG 3 ; Yuhui LU 1 ; Xiaohua WANG 4 ; Xin CHEN 2 ; Xin YANG 1 ; Hongwei GUO 5 ; Rongrong HE 6 ; Zhuo LUO 7

Affiliations

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Keywords

Antiviral infection; Clinical application; Efficacy; Flavonoids; Mechanism; Scutellaria baicalensis

Country

China

Language

English

Abstract

Viruses, the smallest microorganisms, continue to present an escalating threat to human health, being the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Over the decades, although significant progress has been made in the development of therapies and vaccines against viral diseases, the need for effective antiviral interventions remains urgent. This urgency stems from the lack of effective vaccines, the severe side effects associated with current drugs, and the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains. Natural plants, particularly traditionally-used herbs, are often considered an excellent source of medicinal drugs with potent antiviral efficacy, as well as a substantial safety profile. Scutellaria baicalensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, has garnered considerable attention due to its extensive investigation across diverse therapeutic areas and its demonstrated efficacy in both preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we mainly focused on the potential antiviral activities of ingredients in Scutellaria baicalensis, shedding light on their underlying mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications in the treatment of viral infections.