Scutellaria baicalensis in cancer therapy: multidimensional mechanisms and therapeutic potential

Scutellaria baicalensis is a traditional Chinese medicinal material that has attracted much attention for its anticancer potential due to its rich content of bioactive flavonoids such as baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin. This review synthesizes the available evidence and elucidates the multiple mechanisms by which these compounds exert their antitumor effects, including induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, epigenetic regulation, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment remodeling. Flavonoids in Scutellaria baicalensis target key oncogenic pathways, thereby inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis while enhancing immune surveillance. Notably, they are able to reverse drug resistance by inhibiting efflux transporters, restoring chemosensitivity, and impairing DNA repair mechanisms, highlighting their therapeutic versatility. Preclinical studies have highlighted the synergistic effects of Scutellaria baicalensis derivatives in combination with conventional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Scutellaria baicalensis provides a holistic approach to address tumor heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance by combining traditional phytomedicine with modern pharmacological strategies, making it a valuable adjunct in next-generation cancer therapy.