Chinese Skullcap
Scutellaria baicalensis
This herb is a member of the lamiaceae (mint) family and native to China. Its Pin yin name is Huang Qin and it is sometimes referred to as Baical Skullcap, or Scute. It is very bitter and has a cold energetic nature. In traditional Chinese Medicine this plant was used (almost always in combination with other plants or foods), to clear heat, dry damp, drain fire, and resolve toxins (it is used to support normal immune function). The roots are the preferred part and are collected in the spring and autumn with the outer cork and rootlets removed.
What is Chinese Skullcap Used For?
This plant is very chemically complex and is full of antioxidants known as flavones. The flavones of particular interest are Baicalin and Baicalein. These antioxidants appear to downregulate the effects of oxidative stress on various tissues in the body including the liver. It also supports the body in having a healthy inflammatory response and promotes normal cellular growth.
Traditional Health Benefits of Chinese Skullcap
Additional Information on this Herb
Flavonoids such as baicalin, wogonin and baicalein.
Root
1.)Bochorakova, H., Paulova, H., Slanina, J., Musil, P., and Taborska, E. Main flavonoids in the root of Scutellaria baicalensis cultivated in Europe and their comparative antiradical properties. Phytother.Res 2003;17(6):640-644. 2.)Zhou, X., Zhang, Q., Liang, H., Jiang, Y., Wang, X., Wang, B., and Zhao, Y. [Analysis of main flavonoids contents of Scutellaria baicalensis]. Zhongguo Zhong.Yao Za Zhi 2009;34(22):2910-2915. 3.)Zhou, X. Q., Liang, H., Lu, X. H., Cai, S. Q., Wang, B., and Zhao, Y. Y. [Flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis and their bioactivities]. Beijing Da.Xue.Xue.Bao. 10-18-2009;41(5):578-584. 4.)Huang KC. The pharmacology of Chinese herbs. 2nd ed. New York, NY: CRC Press LLC. 1999;385-6, 400-1. 5.)Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press 1996:107-8.
Not for use during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
- This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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