Evidence supporting the use of: Baicalin
For the health condition: Influenza

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Baicalin, a flavonoid compound found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis (commonly known as Chinese skullcap), has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine for its purported antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific studies over the past decade have explored baicalin’s effects on influenza viruses. In vitro (test tube) studies have shown that baicalin inhibits the replication of various influenza virus strains, including H1N1 and H3N2. The proposed mechanisms include interference with viral neuraminidase activity, suppression of viral mRNA synthesis, and modulation of host immune responses, particularly by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to flu severity (Li et al., 2012; Ding et al., 2017).

Animal studies also provide supportive evidence: baicalin administration in mice infected with influenza reduced lung pathology, improved survival rates, and lowered viral titers. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and most evidence remains preclinical. Baicalin is sometimes included in multi-herbal preparations used for respiratory infections in traditional medicine, but its standalone efficacy in humans for influenza has not been conclusively demonstrated. Therefore, while there is promising scientific evidence at the laboratory and animal levels, the absence of high-quality clinical research limits the strength of recommendations for its use.

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