Baicalein Protects Human Skin Cells against Ultraviolet B-Induced Oxidative Stress

Oral intake of bucillamine, carvedilol, metformin, or phenformin does not protect against UVR-induced squamous cell carcinomas in hairless mice

Squamous cell carcinoma represents the second most common type of keratinocyte carcinoma with ultraviolet radiation (UVR) making up the primary risk factor. Oral photoprotection aims to reduce incidence rates through oral intake of photoprotective compounds. Recently, drug repurposing has gained traction as an interesting source of chemoprevention. Because of their reported photoprotective properties, we investigated the potential of bucillamine, carvedilol, metformin, and phenformin as photoprotective compounds following oral intake in UVR-exposed hairless mice. Tumour development was observed in all groups in response to UVR, with only the positive control (Nicotinamide) demonstrating a reduction in tumour incidence (23.8%). No change in tumour development was observed in the four repurposed drug groups compared to the UV control group, whereas nicotinamide significantly reduced carcinogenesis (P = 0.00012). Metformin treatment significantly reduced UVR-induced erythema (P = 0.012), bucillamine and phenformin increased dorsal pigmentation (P = 0.0013, and P = 0.0005), but no other photoprotective effect was observed across the repurposed groups. This study demonstrates that oral supplementation with bucillamine, carvedilol, metformin, or phenformin does not affect UVR-induced carcinogenesis in hairless mice.

Baicalein Inhibits α-Melanocyte-stimulating Hormone-stimulated Melanogenesis via p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway in B16F10 Mouse Melanoma Cells

Excessive UVB exposure causes development of both malignant and non-malignant melanoma via the secretion of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). We investigated whether baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) could inhibit α-MSH-stimulated melanogenesis. Baicalein prevented UVB- and α-MSH-induced melanin production and attenuated α-MSH-stimulated tyrosinase (monophenol monooxygenase) activity, and expression of tyrosinase and tyrosine-related protein-2. In addition, baicalein prevented melanogenesis and pigmentation via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathway. These findings suggest that baicalein represents a natural compound for attenuating melanogenesis.

Chemical Characterization and Determination of the Antioxidant Properties of Phenolic Compounds in Three Scutellaria sp. Plants Grown in Colombia

Plants of the genus Scutellaria (Lamiaceae) have a wide variety of bioactive secondary metabolites with diverse biological properties, e.g., anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antioxidant, antiviral, and antitumor activities. The chemical composition of the hydroethanolic extracts, obtained from dried plants of S. incarnata, S. coccinea, and S. ventenatii × S. incarnata, was determined by UHPLC/ESI-Q-Orbitrap-MS. The flavones were found in a higher proportion. Baicalin and dihydrobaicalein-glucuronide were the major extract components in S. incarnata (287.127 ± 0.005 mg/g and 140.18 ± 0.07 mg/g), in S. coccinea (158.3 ± 0.34 mg/g and 51.20 ± 0.02 mg/g), and in S. ventenatii × S. incarnata (186.87 ± 0.01 mg/g and 44.89 ± 0.06 mg/g). The S. coccinea extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in the four complementary techniques employed to evaluate all extracts: ORAC (3828 ± 3.0 µmol Trolox^®/g extract), ABTS^+• (747 ± 1.8 µmol Trolox^®/g extract), online HPLC-ABTS^+• (910 ± 1.3 µmol Trolox^®/g extract), and β-carotene (74.3 ± 0.8 µmol Trolox^®/g extract).

The Cytoprotective Effects of Baicalein on H2O2-Induced ROS by Maintaining Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Cellular Tight Junction in HaCaT Keratinocytes

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) promote oxidative stress, which directly causes molecular damage and disrupts cellular homeostasis, leading to skin aging. Baicalein, a flavonoid compound isolated from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi has antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and other medicinal properties. We aimed to investigate the protective effect of baicalein on the disruption of tight junctions and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes. The cells were pretreated with 20 and 40 µM baicalein followed by treatment with 500 µM H₂O₂. The results revealed that baicalein exerted antioxidant effects by reducing intracellular ROS production. Baicalein attenuated the degradation of the ECM (MMP-1 and Col1A1) and the disruption of tight junctions (ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-4). In addition, baicalein prevented mitochondrial dysfunction (PGC-1α, PINK1, and Parkin) and restored mitochondrial respiration. Furthermore, baicalein regulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes, including NQO-1 and HO-1, via the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Our data suggest that the cytoprotective effects of baicalein against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress may be mediated through the Nrf2/NQO-1/HO-1 signaling pathway. In conclusion, baicalein exerts potent antioxidant effects against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes by maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular tight junctions.

Baicalein Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest Associated with ROS Generation and CHK2 Activation in Highly Invasive Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Ovarian cancer is a lethal gynecological cancer because drug resistance often results in treatment failure. The CHK2, a tumor suppressor, is considered to be an important molecular target in ovarian cancer due to its role in DNA repair. Dysfunctional CHK2 impairs DNA damage-induced checkpoints, reduces apoptosis, and confers resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and radiation therapy in ovarian cancer cells. This provides a basis for finding new effective agents targeting CHK2 upregulation or activation to treat or prevent the progression of advanced ovarian cancer. Here, the results show that baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxyflavone) treatment inhibits the growth of highly invasive ovarian cancer cells, and that baicalein-induced growth inhibition is mediated by the cell cycle arrest in the G₂/M phase. Baicalein-induced G₂/M phase arrest is associated with an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA damage, and CHK2 upregulation and activation. Thus, baicalein modulates the expression of DNA damage response proteins and G₂/M phase regulatory molecules. Blockade of CHK2 activation by CHK2 inhibitors protects cells from baicalein-mediated G₂/M cell cycle arrest. All the results suggest that baicalein has another novel growth inhibitory effect on highly invasive ovarian cancer cells, which is partly related to G₂/M cell cycle arrest through the ROS-mediated DNA breakage damage and CHK2 activation. Collectively, our findings provide a molecular basis for the potential of baicalein as an adjuvant therapeutic agent in the treatment of metastatic ovarian cancer.

Protective and therapeutic effects of Scutellaria baicalensis and its main active ingredients baicalin and baicalein against natural toxicities and physical hazards: a review of mechanisms

OBJECTIVES

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) has been traditionally used to combat a variety of conditions ranging from ischemic heart disease to cancer. The protective effects of SB are due to the action of two main flavonoids baicalin (BA) and baicalein (BE). This paper aimed to provide a narrative review of the protective and antidotal effects of SB and its main constituents against natural toxicities and physical hazards.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Scientific databases Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were thoroughly searched, based on different keywords for in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies which reported protective or therapeutic effects of SB or its constituents in natural and physical toxicities.

RESULTS

Numerous studies have reported that treatment with BE, BA, or total SB extract prevents or counteracts the detrimental toxic effects of various natural compounds and physical hazards. The toxic agents include mycotoxins, lipopolysaccharide, multiple plants and animal-derived substances as well as physical factors which negatively affected vital organs such as CNS, liver, kidneys, lung and heart. Increasing the expression of radical scavenging enzymes and glutathione content as well as inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pro-apoptotic mediators were important mechanisms of action.

CONCLUSION

Different studies on the Chinese skullcap have exhibited that its total root extract, BA or BE can act as potential antidotes or protective agents against the damage induced by natural toxins and physical factors by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the scarcity of high-quality clinical evidence means that further clinical studies are required to reach a more definitive conclusion.

Preparation of Electrospun Active Molecules Membrane Application to Atmospheric Free Radicals

Atmospheric reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the process of air pollution and oxidative damage to organisms. The analysis of ROS was carried out by the capture-derivative method. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare an effective molecular membrane to trap and detect ROS. Electrospinning membranes were prepared by combining the electrospinning technique with chrysin, baicalein, scutellarin, genistein, quercetin, and baicalin. By comparing the structures of the membranes before and after the reaction, the fluorescence enhancement characteristics of the reactive molecular membranes and the atmospheric radicals were studied. The ability of the active molecular membranes to trap atmospheric radicals was also studied. It was found that the genistein active molecular membrane had good trapping ability in four environments. The fluorescence enhancement rates in ROS, OH radical and O₃ simulated environments were 39.32%, 7.99% and 11.92%, respectively. The fluorescence enhancement rate in atmospheric environment was 16.16%. Indeed, the sites where the atmospheric radicals react with the active molecular membranes are discussed. It is found that it is mainly related to the 5,7 phenolic hydroxyl of ring A, catechol structure and the coexistence structure of 4′ phenolic hydroxyl of ring B and 7 phenolic hydroxyl of ring A. Therefore, the genistein molecular membrane has shown great potential in its trapping ability and it is also environmentally friendly.

Synergetic Influence of Bismuth Oxide Nanoparticles, Cisplatin and Baicalein-Rich Fraction on Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Radiosensitization Effects for Clinical Radiotherapy Beams

Purpose

This study aimed to quantify synergetic effects induced by bismuth oxide nanoparticles (BiONPs), cisplatin (Cis) and baicalein-rich fraction (BRF) natural-based agent on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and radiosensitization effects under irradiation of clinical radiotherapy beams of photon, electron and HDR-brachytherapy. The combined therapeutic responses of each compound and clinical radiotherapy beam were evaluated on breast cancer and normal fibroblast cell line.

Methods

In this study, individual BiONPs, Cis, and BRF, as well as combinations of BiONPs-Cis (BC), BiONPs-BRF (BB) and BiONPs-Cis-BRF (BCB) were treated to the cells before irradiation using HDR brachytherapy with 0.38 MeV iridium-192 source, 6 MV photon beam and 6 MeV electron beam. The individual or synergetic effects from the application of the treatment components during the radiotherapy were elucidated by quantifying the ROS generation and radiosensitization effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines as well as NIH/3T3 normal cell line.

Results

The ROS generated in the presence of Cis stimulated the most substantial amount of ROS compared to the BiONPs and BRF. Meanwhile, the combination of the components had induced the higher ROS levels for photon beam than the brachytherapy and electron beam. The highest ROS enhancement relative to the control is attributable to the presence of BC combination in MDA-MB-231 cells, in comparison to the BB and BCB combinations. The radiosensitization effects which were quantified using the sensitization enhancement ratio (SER) indicate the highest value by BC in MCF-7 cells, followed by BCB and BB treatment. The radiosensitization effects are found to be more prominent for brachytherapy in comparison to photon and electron beam.

Conclusion

The BiONPs, Cis and BRF are the potential radiosensitizers that could improve the efficiency of radiotherapy to eradicate the cancer cells. The combination of these potent radiosensitizers might produce multiple effects when applied in radiotherapy. The BC combination is found to have the highest SER, followed by the BCB combination. This study is also the first to investigate the effect of BRF in combination with BiONPs (BB) and BC (BCB) treatments.

Baicalein Inhibits Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Toxic Response by Downregulating Src Phosphorylation and by Upregulating NRF2-HMOX1 System

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a major environmental pollutant, activates aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), induces its cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation and upregulates the production of cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1), a xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme which metabolize BaP. The BaP-AHR-CYP1A1 axis generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induces proinflammatory cytokines. Although the anti-inflammatory phytochemical baicalein (BAI) is known to inhibit the BaP-AHR-mediated CYP1A1 expression, its subcellular signaling remains elusive. In this study, normal human epidermal keratinocytes and HaCaT keratinocytes were treated with BAI, BaP, or BAI + BaP, and assessed for the CYP1A1 expression, antioxidative pathways, ROS generation, and proinflammatory cytokine expressions. BAI and BAI-containing herbal medicine Wogon and Oren-gedoku-to could inhibit the BaP-induced CYP1A1 expression. In addition, BAI activated antioxidative system nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1), leading the reduction of BaP-induced ROS production. The BaP-induced IL1A and IL1B was also downregulated by BAI. BAI inhibited the phosphorylation of Src, a component of AHR cytoplasmic complex, which eventually interfered with the cytoplasmic-to-nuclear translocation of AHR. These results indicate that BAI and BAI-containing herbal drugs may be useful for inhibiting the toxic effects of BaP via dual AHR-CYP1A1-inhibiting and NRF2-HMOX1-activating activities.

Extract of Cornus officinalis Protects Keratinocytes from Particulate Matter-induced Oxidative Stress

The skin is one of the large organs in the human body and the most exposed to outdoor contaminants such as particulate matter < 2.5 µm (PM_2.5). Recently, we reported that PM_2.5 induced cellular macromolecule disruption of lipids, proteins, and DNA, via reactive oxygen species, eventually causing cellular apoptosis of human keratinocytes. In this study, the ethanol extract of Cornus officinalis fruit (EECF) showed anti-oxidant effect against PM_2.5-induced cellular oxidative stress. EECF protected cells against PM_2.5-induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation. PM_2.5 up-regulated intracellular and mitochondrial Ca²⁺ levels excessively, which led to mitochondrial depolarization and cellular apoptosis. However, EECF suppressed the PM_2.5-induced excessive Ca²⁺ accumulation and inhibited apoptosis. The data confirmed that EECF greatly protected human HaCaT keratinocytes from PM_2.5-induced oxidative stress.

Baicalein Inhibits Stx1 and 2 of EHE: Effects of Baicalein on the Cytotoxicity, Production, and Secretion of Shiga Toxins of Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli

Shiga toxin-producing enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 is an important foodborne pathogen. Baicalein (5,6,7-trihydroxylflavone), a flavone isolated from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis, is considered as a potential antibacterial agent to control foodborne pathogens. Among seven compounds selected by in silico screening of the natural compound database, baicalein inhibited the cytotoxicity of both Shiga toxins 1 and 2 (Stx1 and Stx2) against Vero cells after pretreatment at 0.13 mmol/L. In addition, baicalein reduced the susceptibility of Vero cells to both Stx1 and Stx2. Real-time qPCR showed that baicalein increased transcription of stx1 but not of stx2. However, baicalein had no effects on production or secretion of Stx1 or Stx2. Docking models suggested that baicalein formed a stable structure with StxB pentamer with low intramolecular energy. The results demonstrate that inhibitory activity of baicalein against the cytotoxicity of both Stx1 and Stx2 might be due to of the formation of a binding structure inside the pocket of the Stx1B and Stx2B pentamers.

Purpurogallin Protects Keratinocytes from Damage and Apoptosis Induced by Ultraviolet B Radiation and Particulate Matter 2.5

Purpurogallin, a natural phenol obtained from oak nutgalls, has been shown to possess antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Recently, in addition to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation that induces cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) was shown to trigger excessive production of reactive oxygen species. In this study, we observed that UVB radiation and PM_2.5 severely damaged human HaCaT keratinocytes, disrupting cellular DNA, lipids, and proteins and causing mitochondrial depolarization. Purpurogallin protected HaCaT cells from apoptosis induced by UVB radiation and/or PM_2.5. Furthermore, purpurogallin effectively modulates the pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins under UVB irradiation via caspase signaling pathways. Additionally, purpurogallin reduced apoptosis via MAPK signaling pathways, as demonstrated using MAPK-p38, ERK, and JNK inhibitors. These results indicate that purpurogallin possesses antioxidant effects and protects cells from damage and apoptosis induced by UVB radiation and PM_2.5.

Horse Oil Mitigates Oxidative Damage to Human HaCaT Keratinocytes Caused by Ultraviolet B Irradiation

Horse oil products have been used in skin care for a long time in traditional medicine, but the biological effects of horse oil on the skin remain unclear. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of horse oil on ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced oxidative stress in human HaCaT keratinocytes. Horse oil significantly reduced UVB-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species and intracellular oxidative damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Horse oil absorbed light in the UVB range of the electromagnetic spectrum and suppressed the generation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, a photoproduct of UVB irradiation. Western blotting showed that horse oil increased the UVB-induced Bcl-2/Bax ratio, inhibited mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase expression, and altered mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling-related proteins. These effects were conferred by increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and decreased phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2. Additionally, horse oil reduced UVB-induced binding of activator protein 1 to the matrix metalloproteinase-1 promoter site. These results indicate that horse oil protects human HaCaT keratinocytes from UVB-induced oxidative stress by absorbing UVB radiation and removing reactive oxygen species, thereby protecting cells from structural damage and preventing cell death and aging. In conclusion, horse oil is a potential skin protectant against skin damage involving oxidative stress.

Activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway contributes to the protective effects of baicalein against oxidative stress-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in HEI193 Schwann cells

Baicalein, a flavonoid extracted from the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi., has various pharmacological effects due to its high antioxidant activity. However, no study has yet been conducted on the protective efficacy of baicalein against oxidative stress in Schwann cells. In this study, we evaluated the protective effect of baicalein on DNA damage and apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in HEI193 Schwann cells. For this purpose, HEI193 cells exposed to H₂O₂ in the presence or absence of baicalein were applied to cell viability assay, immunoblotting, Nrf2-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection, comet assay, and flow cytometry analyses. Our results showed that baicalein effectively inhibited H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity and DNA damage associated with the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Baicalein also weakened H₂O₂-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activated caspase-9 and -3, and degraded poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. In addition, baicalein increased not only the expression but also the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and promoted the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a critical target enzyme of Nrf2, although the expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 was decreased. However, the inhibition of Nrf2 expression by transfection with Nrf2-siRNA transfection abolished the expression of HO-1 and antioxidant potential of baicalein. These results demonstrate that baicalein attenuated H₂O₂-induced apoptosis through the conservation of mitochondrial function while eliminating ROS in HEI193 Schwann cells, and the antioxidant efficacy of baicalein implies at least a Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-dependent mechanism. Therefore, it is suggested that baicalein may have a beneficial effect on the prevention and treatment of peripheral neuropathy induced by oxidative stress.

Mushroom extract inhibits ultraviolet B-induced cellular senescence in human keratinocytes

Mushrooms possess various bioactivities and are used as nutritional supplements and medicinal products. Twenty-nine bioactive components have been extracted recently from mushrooms grown in Nepal. In this study, we evaluated the ability of these mushroom extracts to augment SIRT1, a mammalian SIR2 homologue localized in cytosol and nuclei. We established a system for screening food ingredients that augment the SIRT1 promoter in HaCaT cells, and identified a SIRT1-augmenting mushroom extract (number 28, Trametes versicolor). UVB irradiation induced cellular senescence in HaCaT cells, as evidenced by increased activity and expression of cellular senescence markers including senescence-associated β-galactosidase, p21, p16, phosphorylated p38, and γH2AX. Results clearly showed that the mushroom extract (No. 28) suppressed the ultraviolet B irradiation-induced cellular senescence in HaCaT cells possibly through augmenting SIRT1 expression.

Flavone protects HBE cells from DNA double-strand breaks caused by PM2.5

Ambient air particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) contains many harmful components that can enter the circulatory system and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in body. Oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by ROS may affect any cellular macromolecule and lead to DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Flavonoids, widely distributed in some herbs and berries, have been proved having anti-oxidative or anti-cancer efficacy. In this study, we investigated whether Flavone, a kind of flavonoids, can protect human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) from DSBs caused by PM2.5 and how this function is probably implemented. We found that cells exposed to PM2.5 obviously induced viability inhibition, DNA damage and part of apoptosis. However, Flavone treatment prior to PM2.5 apparently improved cell viability, and mitigated the formation of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, the expression of DNA damage-relative protein and cell apoptosis. Our studies demonstrated that PM2.5 induced oxidative DSBs while Flavone ameliorated the DNA damage and increased cell viability probably through influencing DNA repair mechanism of cells.

Investigation of dermal toxicity of ionic liquids in monolayer-cultured skin cells and 3D reconstructed human skin models

Ionic liquids have gained increasing attention in the chemical industry as potential green substitutes for traditional solvents. However, little is known about toxicity of ionic liquids on the skin, a major exposure portal to toxic substances. Here, we evaluated dermal toxicity of ionic liquids using human keratinocyte and fibroblast cell line, 3D reconstructed human epidermis, and full-thickness model to investigate underlying mechanisms. Cytotoxicity of ionic liquids was evaluated for representative anions, [TFSI], [PF₆], [BF₄], and [DCA], as well as for cations, [EMIM], [BMPY], [TBA] and [Zn], in human keratinocyte cell line, HaCaT, and human dermal fibroblasts. In our results, significant cytotoxicity was induced by ionic liquids with [TFSI] in both cell lines. Notably, cytotoxicity of [TFSI] containing ionic liquids was comparable to xylene, a toxic conventional organic solvent. Fluorescent and flow cytometric analysis revealed that [TFSI]-exposed cells underwent necrotic cell death. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) was increased while the amount of glutathione was decreased by [TFSI] in dose-dependent manner, which was reversed by antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine. In 3D reconstructed human epidermis and full-thickness model, a single application of [TFSI] induced toxicity although it was minimal and largely limited to epidermal layer. Collectively, these results demonstrated potential dermal toxicity of ionic liquids.

Baicalein Promotes Neuronal and Behavioral Recovery After Intracerebral Hemorrhage Via Suppressing Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is an important public health problem in neurology, which is not only associated with high mortality but also leading to disability. Yet no satisfactory treatment has been developed. The secondary injury that resulted from a number of self-destructive processes such as neuroinflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress, is the key factor contributing to ICH-induced brain damage. Baicalein has been proved to improve neuronal functional recovery in rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage and ischemic brain damage. To investigate the effect of baicalein on ICH and its underlying mechanism, a collagenase-induced ICH rat model was performed. Baicalein treatment significantly decreased neurological severity score at day 1 and 3 after ICH injury. Our results showed that the lesion volume, the brain water content, the expression levels of four pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-6 and TNF-α) and the numbers of apoptotic cells were reduced significantly in ICH rats receiving baicalein treatment, especially in 50 mg/kg baicalein-treated group. Moreover, baicalein increased SOD and GSH-Px activities and down-regulated MDA level of brain tissues in rats. These results suggested that the therapeutic efficacy of baicalein on repairing brain damage is probably caused by suppressing apoptosis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Baicalein could be developed into a novel drug for clinical treatment of ICH and ICH-related brain injuries.