| Anti-inflammatory / soothing |
Down-regulates NF-κB, MAPK and NLRP3 pathways → lower IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α; comparable to low-dose dexamethasone in in-vivo models |
Baicalin ultradeformable vesicles cut TPA-induced ear oedema in mice by ≈ 60 % (PubMed); baicalein hydrogel reduced UVB-triggered cytokines and erythema in mice (PMC) |
| Photoprotection & anti-photoaging |
Strong ROS scavenger; inhibits MMP-1/9 expression, preserves collagen & elastin, limits UVB-induced angiogenesis |
12-week topical baicalein (0.1 %) on hairless mice cut wrinkle depth and tumour burden after chronic UVB (PubMed); baicalin cream lessened acute UVB erythema and lipid peroxidation (ScienceDirect) |
| Antioxidant shield |
3 adjacent hydroxyls in the A-ring give high radical-scavenging capacity; regenerates tocopherol |
ROS and MDA levels fell > 40 % in UVB-irradiated keratinocytes treated with baicalein 10 µM (ScienceDirect) |
| Skin-brightening / anti-melanogenesis |
Blocks p38-MAPK → suppresses MITF, TYR, TRP-2; direct tyrosinase inhibitor (Ki ≈ 3 µM) |
Baicalein 20 µM cut α-MSH–induced melanin by 52 % in B16F10 cells and lightened UVB-tanned zebrafish skin (PMC) |
| Wound-healing & tissue regeneration |
Promotes fibroblast migration, angiogenesis (VEGF up-regulation) and rapid re-epithelialisation |
Topical baicalin 100 mg mL⁻¹ closed pressure-ulcer wounds 30 % faster and improved granulation in mice (PubMed); baicalin-polysaccharide hydrogel sped diabetic wound closure (ScienceDirect) |
| Anti-acne / antimicrobial |
Suppresses P. acnes-triggered inflammasome activation; moderate MICs vs. S. aureus & C. acnes |
Baicalin (10–40 µM) cut P. acnes-induced IL-1β & IL-8 in keratinocytes and eased ear swelling in vivo (PubMed) |
| Anti-psoriatic potential |
Normalises keratinocyte hyper-proliferation; modulates TNF-α/VEGF signalling |
Topical baicalin + echinacoside improved erythema and scaling in IMQ-induced psoriasis-like lesions in mice (PubMed) |
| Improved dermal delivery |
Nanoliposomes, ultradeformable vesicles & thermosensitive gels boost stratum-corneum penetration while maintaining stability |
Optimum baicalein nanoliposome (125 nm) raised skin deposition 2.8-fold vs. solution and enhanced anti-inflammatory efficacy (ScienceDirect) |
