Category: flavonoid
Aliases: 5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone, Huang Qin flavone
Free-aglycone flavone; in root extracts it exists primarily as its 7-O-glucuronide baicalin, which is deconjugated by colonic microbial β-glucuronidase before baicalein is absorbed and re-conjugated in the enterocyte. Benzodiazepine-site positive allosteric modulator at GABA-A (α2/α3 subunits — mild anxiolytic without strong sedation), 12/15-lipoxygenase inhibitor, and senolytic when combined with tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a core TCM calming herb). Poor oral F in aglycone form; extensive glucuronidation drives rapid plasma clearance.
PO: 2.1h