A Review of the Research Progress on the Anticancer Mechanisms of the Active Components Baicalin and Baicalein of Scutellaria baicalensis in Digestive System Tumors

Gastrointestinal tumors are considerably heterogeneous and are associated with high incidence and mortality rates. Baicalin and baicalein are flavonoid compounds derived from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis , a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a longstanding history of therapeutic use. These compounds exhibit broad bioactivity, including antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects. The present review synthesizes evidence on the anticancer effects of baicalin and baicalein in digestive tract tumors, highlighting the underlying mechanisms. Baicalin and baicalein mediate their anticancer effects by inducing programmed cell death pathways, such as apoptosis and autophagy, halting cell cycle progression, and blocking tumor cell growth and metastasis. They also suppress tumor cell invasiveness, reverse drug resistance, and inhibit tumor initiation. Finally, relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental findings are discussed to support these mechanisms. Overall, baicalin and baicalein demonstrate considerable potential as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of digestive system malignancies.