Baicalein, the key active ingredient in Scutellaria baicalensis of Labiatae, is a flavonoid compound. Baicalein can be extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis root.
Physical and chemical properties
Baicalein is yellow needle-like crystal (ethanol), bright yellow in good quality. Soluble in ethanol, methanol, ether, acetone and other organic reagents, almost insoluble in water, soluble in sodium hydroxide aqueous solution, it is green-brown, yellow in concentrated sulfuric acid and shows green fluorescence. The ultraviolet absorption wavelength (absorption coefficient) is 239nm (34700), 297nm (29500), 343 (21900). The CAS number of baicalein is 314041-17-3.
Safety management
The "Announcement on the Catalog of Names of Cosmetic Raw Materials Used" issued by the State Food and Drug Administration in 2014, and the "Chinese Name Catalog of International Cosmetic Raw Materials Standards" published by CTFA and China Fragrance Association in 2010 all use baicalein as a cosmetic raw material. See reports that it is unsafe for external use.
Application in cosmetics
Scutellaria baicalensis is one of the traditional Chinese herbal medicines commonly used in China. It has the functions of clearing heat and dampness, calming itching, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, which can be reflected from the effect of baicalein.Baicalein has antibacterial properties, and its MIC against Staphylococcus aureus is 0.04mmol/L.
1, Baicalein has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. By inhibiting some sulfhydryl enzymes in the human body, it reduces the release of chemical mediators during antigenic body reactions, thereby inhibiting allergic reactions and passive systemic allergies and passive skin allergies caused by histamine. It can alleviate the irritation and allergy of chemical additives on the skin, relieve the tension of the skin, and inhibit allergic edema and inflammation.
2, Baicalein has a broad-spectrum antibacterial effect, and has different intensities of inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, hemolytic streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and various skin pathogenic fungi. It has the strongest inhibitory effect. It is used in dermatology to treat skin diseases caused by damp heat, such as dermatitis, eczema, and erythema. Prevents acne on the face and is used as an antiseptic in oral hygiene products.
3, Baicalein can strongly absorb ultraviolet rays and scavenge oxygen free radicals. Its effect is similar to that of SOD. At the same time, it can inhibit the production of melanin and can be used in whitening creams. It can inhibit the activity of testosterone 5α-reductase, and it can be made into tincture for the treatment of male pattern baldness.
