Baicalein in Co-Crystal in Nanoemulsion for Targeted Colon Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract Colon cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Baicalein, a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, has demonstrated promising anticancer properties but suffers from poor bioavailability and limited aqueous solubility. This review examines the integration of co-crystallization technology with nanoemulsion delivery systems as an innovative approach to enhance baicalein's therapeutic efficacy against colon cancer. We comprehensively analyze the molecular mechanisms of baicalein's anticancer activity, the advantages of co-crystal formulations in improving pharmaceutical properties, and the role of nanoemulsions in targeted drug delivery. The synergistic combination of these technologies offers a promising platform for overcoming the pharmacokinetic limitations of baicalein while maximizing its therapeutic potential. This review synthesizes current research findings, discusses formulation strategies, and identifies future directions for translating these advanced drug delivery systems into clinical applications for colon cancer therapy. Keywords: Baicalein, co-crystal, nanoemulsion, colon cancer, targeted therapy, drug delivery, bioavailability.