wogonin

Wogonin is a flavone, a type of naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, commonly known as Chinese skullcap. It is one of several bioactive flavones found in the plant and has been the subject of research focused on its potential health effects.

In traditional medicine contexts, Scutellaria baicalensis has been used for various inflammatory and infectious conditions, and wogonin is studied as one of the plant’s active constituents. Wogonin itself is typically investigated in laboratory settings rather than used as a standalone therapeutic agent.

Preclinical research has reported a range of biological activities for wogonin. In cell culture and animal models, it has shown anti-inflammatory effects, including suppression of inflammatory mediators in macrophages. It has also demonstrated anti-tumor activity in several cancer cell lines, in some cases by promoting apoptosis or inhibiting cell proliferation. Additional studies have suggested potential neuroprotective and anti-angiogenic effects, though these findings are preliminary and not yet translated into clinical practice.

The mechanisms proposed for wogonin’s actions include modulation of signaling pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, leading to altered expression of inflammatory and survival genes. Pharmacokinetic data indicate limited solubility and bioavailability, and there is a lack of robust human clinical data. Consequently, wogonin is not approved as a drug for any medical condition, and its safety profile in humans remains inadequately characterized. Ongoing research aims to clarify its therapeutic potential, optimal formulations, and possible interactions with other medicines.