Baicalein is a trihydroxyflavone with hydroxy groups at positions C-5, C-6, and C-7. It functions as an antioxidant, hormone antagonist, prostaglandin antagonist, arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase inhibitor (EC 1.13.11.31), arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase inhibitor (EC 1.13.11.33), radical scavenger, prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitor (EC 3.4.21.26), anti-inflammatory agent, plant metabolite, ferroptosis inhibitor, anticoronaviral agent, SARS coronavirus main proteinase inhibitor (EC 3.4.22.69), angiogenesis inhibitor, antineoplastic agent, ornithine decarboxylase inhibitor (EC 4.1.1.17), antibacterial agent, antifungal agent, apoptosis inducer, and geroprotector. It is the conjugate acid of baicalein(1-).
