Ma MY, Niu XJ, Wang Q, Wang SM, Li X, Zhang SH. Evidence and possible mechanism of
Scutellaria baicalensis and its bioactive compounds for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.
Ann Med 2024;
55:2247004. [PMID:
38232757 PMCID:
PMC10795786 DOI:
10.1080/07853890.2023.2247004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Traditional Chinese medicines have been reported to have outstanding effects in the treating of hepatocellular carcinoma. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) has demonstrated anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Baicalein, wogonin, and baicalin are the main pharmacologically bioactive compounds of S. baicalensis.
METHODS
Eight electronic databases were searched to select articles published from their inception to 30 May 2022. For selected articles, clinical and preclinical data was obtained on the use of S. baicalensis and its bioactive compounds in hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan version 5.3 and Stata software. Quality assessment of the studies was performed using Cochrane and Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation (SYRCLE)'s risk of bias tools.
RESULTS
Seven clinical and 17 preclinical in vivo studies along with 31 in vitro studies were included in this research. Meta-analysis showed that a Chinese herbal medicine preparation, with S. baicalensis as the sovereign herb, combined with Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or primary treatment, could lead to a significantly improved tumor objective response rate (Risk ratio (RR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.30, 1.90], p < 0.00001). Scutellaria baicalensis-based extracts (standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.86, 95%CI: [-1.20, -0.53], p < 0.00001), baicalein (SMD = -4.80, 95%CI: [-6.66, - 2.95], p < 0.00001), baicalin (SMD = -2.28, 95%CI [-3.26, -1.30], p < 0.00001) and wogonin (SMD = -1.41, 95%CI [-2.26, -0.57], p < 0.00001) slowed tumor growth in vivo. These outcomes might be linked to the mechanism by which S. baicalensis promotes apoptosis, induces autophagy, and blocks the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Based on experimental and clinical evidence, we believe that S. baicalensis and its bioactive compounds have therapeutic potential and plausible mechanisms of action against hepatocellular carcinoma, in terms of efficacy and safety.
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