Optimization of glycyrrhizic acid-assisted green extraction of baicalin from scutellariae radix: Solubilization, characterization, bioactivity, and stability

To enhance the extraction efficiency of baicalin (BA) from Scutellariae Radix （SR） and improve the solubility, bioactivity and stability of Scutellaria Extract (SE), a glycyrrhizic acid (GA)-assisted green extraction process for BA was developed and optimized. The results demonstrated that GA-assisted extraction significantly elevated BA yield, achieving 1.7-fold higher extraction rates and 2.1-fold higher BA content in the extracts compared to the conventional 70 % ethanol extraction method. Characterization studies confirmed the formation of an inclusion complex (SE-GA) between GA and BA, which markedly improved SE solubility and bioavailability. Notably, SE-GA exhibited reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant activities relative to unmodified SE. Stability assessments further revealed superior preservation of bioactive compounds in SE-GA. Mechanistic analysis suggested that SE penetrates the GA cavity, thereby protecting its bioactive components.