This preclinical study has evaluated the potential of baicalein, an active compound of Scutellaria baicalensis, for the management of COVID-19.

In vitro an inhibition of cellular damage induced by SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated after exposure to at least 0.1 µM of baicalein. According to in vivo study, this concentration can be reached by supplementation with 200 mg/kg of crystal form beta of baicalein. Moreover, in
vivo, in rats infected with SARS-CoV-2, supplementation with baicalein significantly inhibited the body weight loss, the replication of the virus, and relieved the lesions of lung tissue. At last, baicalein supplementation has been associated with a reduction of LPS-induced lung inflammation and alteration of respiratory function.

In conclusion, in vivo supplementation with baicalein has demonstrated efficiency in the management of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as in the management of infection-associated symptoms.

Song J, Zhang L, Xu Y, Yang D, Zhang L, Yang S, Zhang W, Wang J, Tian S, Yang S, Yuan T, Liu A, Lv Q, Li F, Liu H, Hou B, Peng X, Lu Y, Du G. The comprehensive study on the therapeutic effects of baicalein for the treatment of COVID-19 in vivo and in vitro. Biochem Pharmacol. 2020 Oct 27;183:114302. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114302. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33121927; PMCID: PMC7588320.