Inhibition of human ERα-positive breast carcinoma cell by baicalein via cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.

Baicalein is a naturally occurring flavone found in the four herbaceous plants: Scutellaria baicalensis, Scutellaria lateriflora, Oroxylum indicum, and the well-known species Thymus vulgaris (thyme). Recently recognized as a potential anticancer therapeutic agent, baicalein is gaining popularity in cancer research laboratories. However, it is unclear whether baicalein can inhibit cancerous properties of the human ERα-positive breast carcinoma cell line T47D. Here we demonstrate that baicalein can significantly inhibit cell growth and proliferation. Additionally, cell cycle analysis reveals that baicalein inhibits T47D breast cancer cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest, suppressing colony formation and cell migration. Additionally, baicalein was shown to induce cell death by regulating genes and interacting with signaling pathways involved in apoptosis. These studies clearly suggest that baicalein has potent anti-cancer properties and has great potential for cancer therapy.