Simple preparation of baicalin from Scutellariae Radix

A simple, rapid and reproducible method was developed to isolate high-purity baicalin from Scutellariae Radix, the dried roots of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The method involves partition/recrystallization steps without repeated column chromatography or special instruments. Isolated baicalin was characterized by comparisons of TLC, HPLC, IR, MS, and NMR data with an authentic sample. Moreover, β-glucuronidase hydrolysis of baicalin sequentially yielded glucuronic acid and baicalein as confirmed by co-TLC with authentic samples. The purity of baicalin was more than 97% with yield ca. 8.7% (w/w). The method presented here appears suitable for commercial application.