Chinese Scullcap

Parts used and where grown

Scutellaria baicalensis, a mint family member, is grown in China and Russia. The root of this plant is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines and has been the focus of most scientific studies on skullcap. American scullcap and Chinese scullcap are not interchangeable.

Chinese scullcap has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating

Health Concerns

Epilepsy (in combination with bupleurum, peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, and licorice root)

Bronchitis

Hepatitis

HIV support (in combination with bupleurum, peony root, pinellia root, cassia bark, ginger root, jujube fruit, Asian ginseng root, Asian scullcap root, and licorice root)

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Chinese scullcap is typically used in herbal combinations in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat inflammatory skin conditions, allergies, high cholesterol and triglycerides.¹

Active constituents

The root of Chinese scullcap contains the flavonoid baicalin that has been shown in test tube studies to have protective actions on the liver. Anti-allergy actions and the inhibition of bacteria and viruses in test tube studies have also been documented with Chinese scullcap.² Some preliminary Chinese human trials, generally of low quality, suggest that Chinese scullcap may help people with acute lung, intestinal, and liver infections, as well as hay fever.³ More extensive clinical research is needed to clearly demonstrate Chinese scullcap’s effectiveness for these conditions.

How much is usually taken?

In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Chinese scullcap is typically recommended as a tea made from 3–9 grams of the dried root.⁴ Fluid extract, 1–4 ml three times per day, is also used.⁵

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Use of Chinese scullcap in the amounts listed above appears to be safe. The safety of Chinese scullcap during pregnancy and breast-feeding is unknown and should be avoided during these times.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with Chinese scullcap.

References

1. Bone K, Morgan M. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs: Monographs for the Western Herbal Practitioner. Warwick, Australia: 1996, 75–9.

2. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 239–40.

3. Bone K, Morgan M. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs: Monographs for the Western Herbal Practitioner. Warwick, Australia: 1996, 75–9.

4. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 86–7.

5. Bone K, Morgan M. Clinical Applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs: Monographs for the Western Herbal Practitioner. Warwick, Australia: 1996, 75–9.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2005.