ROS-responsive baicalin hydrogel from Scutellaria baicalensis for targeted modulation of cutaneous inflammation: Mechanistic insights and translational perspectives

Amongst the numerous diseases that affect the skin and often influence the inflammatory process and are limited by the available anti-inflammatory agents, there is a necessity of specific, innovative treatment methods. The deregulation of the immune system augmented free radical activity, and a broken skin barrier contributes to inflammatory processes of the skin. Huang-Qin, also known as Scutellaria baicalensis, has a long history of application in traditional Asian medicine to treat skin diseases related to inflammation. Its main active ingredient is baicalin, which possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is, though, neither very much nor so much absorbed through the skin. To complement this background, a detailed search of the databases Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science was done. The articles that were included in the search process were published within the period of January 2010 and December 2025. The keywords used were Scutellaria baicalensis, baicalin, skin inflammation, free radical production, and signaling pathways (NF-κB, MAPK, and JAK/STAT). The 612 records were narrowed down to 76 studies to be used during the qualitative analysis after the removal of duplication. Baicalin works by regulating NF-kB, MAPK (ERK, JNK, p38), JAK/STAT, and Nrf2/HO. Those mechanisms suppress cytokine production, restore redox balance, and enhance the skin's barrier function. Sensitive hydrogels that respond to reactive oxygen species help stabilize baicalin on the skin surface and release it during oxidative stress. In vitro evidence indicates that such formulations exhibit greater efficacy in reducing inflammation and scavenging free radicals than conventional formulations. Baicalin-based ROS-sensitive hydrogels are efficient at promoting targeted dermatological therapy by combining conventional herbal medicine with innovative biopolymer-based delivery systems. Recent preclinical evidence suggests that combining these two approaches will yield safer, more efficient treatments for inflammatory skin diseases.