Multiple roles of baicalin and baicalein in the regulation of colorectal cancer

Abstract

The prevalence of colorectal cancer is increasing worldwide, and despite advances in treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains in the top three for mortality due to several issues, including drug resistance and low efficiency. There is increasing evidence that baicalin and baicalein, novel small molecule inhibitor extracts of the Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis, have better anti-colorectal cancer effects and are less likely to induce drug resistance in cancer cells. The present review article explains the anti-proliferative properties of baicalin and baicalein in the context of against CRC. Additionally, it explores the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds modulate diverse signaling pathways associated with apoptosis, cell proliferation, tumor angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, and tumor microenvironment. Moreover, this review article highlights the inhibitory effect of colorectal inflammatory-cancer transformation and the near-term therapeutic strategy of using them as adjuvant agents in chemotherapy.

Keywords: apoptosis; baicalein; baicalin; colorectal cancer; signaling pathways.

FIGURE 1

Mechanism of apoptosis induction by baicalin and baicalein (Boxes in green indicate downregulation of expression and boxes in blue indicate upregulation of expression).

FIGURE 2

Mechanism of cell cycle blockade by baicalin and baicalein.

FIGURE 3

Mechanism of angiogenesis inhibition by baicalin and baicalein.

FIGURE 4

Mechanism of EMT inhibition by baicalin and baicalein.

FIGURE 5

Mechanisms of baicalin and baicalein in regulating the tumour microenvironment.

FIGURE 6

Baicalin and baicalein exert anticolorectal cancer effects by inducing cell death and inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell metastasis and improving the tumour microenvironment.