Abstract:

Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease. Current clinical treatments for RA often exhibit inadequate drug responses and severe adverse effects， underscoring the necessity for alternative therapies. Baicalin， a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis roots， possesses anti-inflammatory， antioxidant， and immunomodulatory properties. Research suggests that baicalin can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators， thereby reducing inflammation. Moreover， it demonstrates antioxidant effects by decreasing reactive oxygen species production and mitigating synovial damage induced by oxidative stress. Baicalin may impede the activation of inflammatory cytokines through pathways such as NF-κB， MAPKs， and JAK-STAT signaling cascades while inducing apoptosis， regulating immune cell activity， and balancing immune mediators to impact synovitis progression. Clinically， both monotherapy with baicalin or its combination with other formulations have exhibited efficacy and safety profiles. The advancement in targeted drug delivery systems has improved its bioavailability further suggesting promising clinical applications. This review provides an overview of research progress on baicalin's mechanisms in inhibiting RA synovitis along with its clinical applications.

Key words: rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis, anti-oxidation, baicalin, flavone