What Is Baicalin?
Baicalin is a natural compound found in the roots of Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap), a traditional medicinal herb. Baicalin is converted in the body to baicalein, which is the more bioavailable and active form. Both forms have demonstrated promising have shown promising antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and mitochondrial-supportive properties that may counter key mechanisms behind Long COVID — such as immune overactivation, lingering viral activity, cellular energy deficits, and vascular dysfunction.
How Baicalin May Help for Long COVID
Quells Chronic Inflammation – Suppresses inflammatory molecules that drive post‑viral inflammation.
Direct Antiviral Action – In vitro, baicalin and especially baicalein inhibit SARS‑CoV‑2 main protease and RNA‑dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), potentially reducing viral persistence.
Protects Endothelium & Microcirculation – Reduces oxidative stress and cytokine injury in vascular lining, helping normalize blood flow and limit microclot formation.
What the Research Says
Human data specific to Long COVID are still limited, but strong preclinical and mechanistic evidence plus centuries of safe clinical use underpin baicalin’s potential. Early COVID‑19 cell and animal studies demonstrate antiviral activity and protection against cytokine storm–induced lung injury. These findings, together with its mitochondrial and endothelial benefits, provide a solid rationale for clinical trials in post‑COVID syndromes.
Key studies on Citicoline and Long COVID
Theoretical support:
This study found baicalin inhibits multiple viral enzymes and may reduce inflammation through effects on host immune signaling. Together, these actions support its potential to block viral activity and calm excessive immune responses.
In this study,Baicalin was shown to reduce key markers of immune overactivation and inflammation in models of cytokine storm, positioning it as a candidate to manage immune dysregulation in severe or lingering COVID-19.
In this study, oral baicalein protected lung tissue, reduced viral replication, and lowered inflammation in COVID-19 infection models, supporting its use as an antiviral and organ-protective compound.
This study showed that baicalin and baicalein blocked SARS-CoV-2 replication by targeting a core viral enzyme in vitro, reinforcing their value as potential COVID-19 therapeutics.
Final Thoughts and Typical Use
Baicalin combines antiviral, anti‑inflammatory, metabolic, and endothelial benefits in a single well‑tolerated compound. Although clinical trials in Long COVID are still needed, its multifaceted actions align with the major drivers of post‑viral symptoms. Typical use involves 500–1000 mg baicalin (or 200–400 mg baicalein) daily. It is recommended that you consult with your doctor before starting this supplement.