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skullcap; Scutellaria baicalensis; Scutellaria lateriflora
Chinese skullcap: Scutellaria baicalensis
American skullcap: Scutellaria lateriflora;
Indications:
- Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap)
- used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat allergies, infections, inflammation, cancer, & headaches
- may also have antifungal & antiviral effects
- in vitro anti-neoplastic properties
- the root is used medicinally
- used for herd management & treatment of mastitis animals
- may help reduce symptoms of diabetes & hypertension in animals [3]
- Scutellaria lateriflora (American skullcap)
- used as a mild relaxant & for anxiety, nervous tension, & convulsions
- putative antioxidant effects useful for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, anxiety, & depression
- the leaves harvested in June from a 3-4 year-old plant are used for medicinal purposes
Epidemiology:
- native to China & parts of Russia
- derives its name from a caplike appearance of the outer whorl of its small blue or purple flowers
- grows to a height of 2-4 feet
- blooms each July
- grows wild in woods & meadows
Dosage:
- American skullcap is available as a powder or liquid extract.
- Chinese skullcap is available as a powder.
- available as an encapsulated dried herb, tea, fluid extract, & tincture
- consult physician to find the right form & dose *Neither American skullcap nor Chinese skullcap is recommended for children.
Adverse effects:
- Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap)
- risk of hypoglycemia
- avoid if stomach or spleem problems
- should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Scutellaria lateriflora (American skullcap)
- hepatotoxicity if contaminated with germander (Teucrium)
- high dose may cause giddiness, stupor, mental confusion, twitching, cardiac arrhythmia, or seizures
- should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Drug interactions:
- sedatives
- anticonvulsants: phenytoin, valproate
- barbiturates
- benxodiazepines
- Z-drugs: zolpidem zalepon eszoplicone, ramelteon
- tricyclic antidepressants
- alcohol
- sedating pharmceutical hervs: valerian, kava, catnip
- hypoglycemic agents in combination can increase risk of hypoglycemia
Mechanism of action:
- main active compounds are baicalin & baicalein
- may act as antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergenic, antimicrobial, & antitumor agents
General
pharmaceutical herb; medicinal herb; herbal supplement; botanical
References
- Mount Sinai
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/skullcap#:~:text=Native%20to%20China%20and%20parts,have%20antifungal%20and%20antiviral%20effects.
- Chanchal DK, Singh K, Bhushan B et al
An updated review of Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis):
Emphasis on phytochemical constituents and pharmacological attributes.
Pharmacologic Research. Modern Chinese Medicine, 2023, Dec volume 9. 100326
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667142523001124
- Yin B, Li W, Qin H, Yun J, Sun X
The Use of Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Its Extracts for
Sustainable Animal Production.
Animals (Basel). 2021 Apr 7;11(4):1039.
PMID: 33917159 PMCID: PMC8067852 Free PMC article. Review.
Components
baicalein
baicalin; baicalein 7-O-glucuronide