Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease treatment: research progress

Abstract

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a common liver condition marked by excessive fat accumulation exceeding 5% in the liver without significant alcohol consumption. It is closely linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia, with a rising global prevalence projected to escalate from 25% to 56% over the next decade. The pathogenesis of MAFLD is multifaceted, involving insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress, with progressive symptoms that can lead to severe liver conditions including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Current treatment options are limited, as established medications show variable efficacy and safety. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (S. baicalensis) a traditional Chinese herb rich in flavonoids, has garnered attention for its potential therapeutic effects on MAFLD. Its pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-regulating properties, position S. baicalensis as a promising candidate for MAFLD management. This article reviews the latest research progress of S. baicalensis in the treatment of MAFLD, explores its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, and the development of related products, aiming to clarify the pathogenesis of MAFLD and promote the development of new treatment and prevention strategies based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Keywords: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi; metabolic associated fatty liver disease; pharmacokinetics; pharmacological activities; production development.

FIGURE 1

Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and potential protective methods of MAFLD (Created by iconfont. cn).

FIGURE 2

S. baicalensis and its bioactive metabolites regulates molecular targets related to oxidative stress and inflammation, including enzymes, proteins, chemical molecules, and inflammatory factors and Anti-inflammatory factor.

FIGURE 3

S. baicalensis and its active metabolites had exhibited protective effects against various liver injuries by reducing inflammatory factors, activating antioxidant pathways, and regulating related pathways (Created by BioGDP.com).

FIGURE 4

Baicalin had treated MAFLD by regulating signaling pathways and mechanisms involved in fatty acid metabolism, lipid synthesis and decomposition, insulin resistance, and gluconeogenesis (Created by BioGDP.com).

FIGURE 5

S. baicalensis and its active metabolites had provided theoretical and experimental evidence for the treatment of MAFLD by regulating intestinal microbiota, mitigating liver fibrosis, modulating metabolism, and elucidating potential mechanisms of action in liver cancer treatment (Created by BioGDP.com).

FIGURE 6

Potential mechanisms of S. baicalensis combined with other drugs in the treatment of MAFLD (Created by BioGDP.com).

FIGURE 7

Analysis of 12403 patents browsed on LENS.ORG (https://www.lens.org/) using search terms “S. baicalensis”. (A) Patent applications per year; (B) CPC classification code; (C) Jurisdictions (CN, China; US, United States; WO, World Intellectual property organization; KR, South Korea; EP, European Patent Office; JP, Japan); (D) IPCR classification code.