Scutellaria baicalensis: a promising natural source of antiviral compounds for the treatment of viral diseases

Viruses, the smallest microorganisms, continue to present an escalating threat to human health, being the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Over the decades, although significant progress has been made in the development of therapies and vaccines against viral diseases, the need for effective antiviral interventions remains urgent. This urgency stems from the lack of effective vac-cines, the severe side effects associated with current drugs, and the emergence of drug-resistant viral strains. Natural plants, particu-larly traditionally-used herbs, are often considered an excellent source of medicinal drugs with potent antiviral efficacy, as well as a substantial safety profile. Scutellaria baicalensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, has garnered considerable attention due to its extens-ive investigation across diverse therapeutic areas and its demonstrated efficacy in both preclinical and clinical trials. In this review, we mainly focused on the potential antiviral activities of ingredients in Scutellaria baicalensis, shedding light on their underlying mechan-isms of action and therapeutic applications in the treatment of viral infections.

Automated summary

Viruses pose an escalating threat to human health as the leading cause of worldwide mortality, despite significant progress in therapies and vaccines. The need for effective antiviral interventions remains urgent due to the lack of effective vaccines, severe side effects of current drugs, and emergence of drug-resistant strains. Scutellaria baicalensis, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been extensively studied and shown efficacy in diverse therapeutic areas, making it a promising source of antiviral drugs.