Baicalein, a flavonoid compound derived from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap), has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in several preclinical studies relevant to Parkinson's Disease (PD). Laboratory and animal studies suggest that baicalein may exert its effects by inhibiting alpha-synuclein aggregation, reducing oxidative stress, modulating neuroinflammation, and protecting dopaminergic neurons—all mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. For example, a number of rodent model studies have shown that baicalein can attenuate motor deficits, prevent the loss of dopaminergic neurons, and decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain. Additionally, baicalein has been reported to modulate mitochondrial function and inhibit apoptosis (programmed cell death) in neuronal cells.

However, clinical evidence in humans is lacking, and no large-scale randomized controlled trials have been published to date assessing baicalein's efficacy or safety in patients with Parkinson's Disease. The current support for its use is based almost entirely on preclinical data, with some suggestive, but not definitive, findings. As such, while baicalein shows promise and is the subject of ongoing research, its use for Parkinson's Disease is not yet validated by high-quality clinical trials, and it should not be considered a proven or established therapy for this condition.