Abstract

Extracts of Scutellaria species have been used in Eastern traditional medicine as well in the Americas for the treatment of several human ailments, including cancer. Crude extracts or flavonoids derived from Scutellaria have been scientifically studied for potential anti-cancer activity using in vitro as well as animal models of various cancers, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer and malignant gliomas. Phase I clinical studies have also been conducted to study the toxicity/efficacy of Scutellaria extract in patients with metastatic breast cancer. This article is a succinct review of pertinent research articles on the anti-tumor efficacy and associated molecular mechanisms of Scutellaria extracts, particularly those containing the flavonoid wogonin. The potential significance of Scutellaria flavonoids as an adjuvant therapy for malignant tumors is discussed.

Keywords: Scutellaria, flavonoid, wogonin, cancer, GSK-3, NF-κB, p38 MAPK.