Chinese Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Chinese skullcap work in the body?

Chinese skullcap contains active flavonoids—baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin—that exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. These compounds inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes like COX-2 and 5-LOX, reducing inflammation. Baicalin and baicalein also demonstrate antiviral and antibacterial properties by disrupting microbial cell membranes. Additionally, these flavonoids modulate liver enzyme activity and provide hepatoprotective effects through antioxidant pathways. Evidence Level: C, Traditional use.

What medications does Chinese skullcap interact with?

Chinese skullcap may interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 liver enzymes, potentially altering drug effectiveness. It may enhance the effects of sedatives, anticoagulants, and blood pressure medications. Due to potential hepatotoxicity at high doses, avoid combining with other liver-affecting drugs. Patients on immunosuppressants should use caution due to the herb's immunomodulatory effects. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications. Evidence Level: C, theoretical based on pharmacology.

What is the recommended dosage for Chinese skullcap root?

Traditional dosage of dried Chinese skullcap root is 3-9 grams daily, typically prepared as a decoction. Standardized baicalin extracts are commonly dosed at 500mg to 1 gram twice daily. Dosage varies based on the condition being treated and formulation used. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified herbalist, as concentrated extracts require lower doses than whole root preparations. Evidence Level: C, Traditional use.

Is Chinese skullcap safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Chinese skullcap is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies it as unsafe for pregnant women due to its potential effects on uterine tone and liver metabolism. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements. Evidence Level: C, Traditional contraindication.

What are the side effects of Chinese skullcap?

Chinese skullcap is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea. At very high doses or with prolonged use, liver effects have been reported, though this is rare. Individuals with pre-existing liver conditions should use caution. Those with cold conditions or spleen deficiency with chronic diarrhea should avoid this herb according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Evidence Level: C, Traditional use.

What is Chinese skullcap used to treat?

Chinese skullcap is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily for clearing heat and treating respiratory infections, liver inflammation, and inflammatory conditions. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties make it useful for bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Research suggests potential benefits for liver protection, reducing systemic inflammation, and supporting immune function. Modern applications include support for chronic inflammatory conditions and liver health. Evidence Level: C, Traditional use.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Scutellaria baicalensis, known as Chinese Skullcap or Huang-Qin, is a medicinal plant used primarily for its roots, which exhibit diverse pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects [PMID:31070530, PMID:31236960].

Contexte

Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant widely distributed in China, Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, and Japan [PMID:31236960]. Its roots are recorded in the Chinese, European, and British Pharmacopoeias [PMID:31070530].

Usages traditionnels

In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used for clearing heat and dampness, purging fire, detoxification, protecting the fetus, and avoiding miscarriage [PMID:31236960, PMID:36216728].

Composés actifs

The plant contains flavonoids (including baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, and oroxylin A), flavonoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, terpenoids, volatile oils, and polysaccharides [PMID:31070530, PMID:31236960, PMID:36216728].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the inhibition of ferroptosis via the GPX4/ACSL4/ACSL3 axis [PMID:36055377], modulation of AMPK and its signaling pathways [PMID:40374371], scavenging of reactive oxygen species, and induction of apoptosis in tumor cells [PMID:40404880].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DCerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Baicalein improved viability of OGD/R cells and ameliorated injury in tMCAO mice by inhibiting ferroptosis [PMID:36055377]

Preuve DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Baicalein improved symptoms by mitigating oxidative stress and ferroptosis in rat models [PMID:38518646]

Preuve ABreast Cancer

S. baicalensis and its active components (baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, oroxylin A, and scutellarin) exhibit promising antibreast cancer activities [PMID:36655686]

Preuve DBenign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Root extract inhibited inflammation and proliferation in testosterone-induced BPH rats [PMID:30708034]

Preuve CDigestive System Tumors

Flavonoids inhibit tumor cell proliferation, induce autophagy, and increase drug sensitivity [PMID:39654621]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Scutellaria root extract can induce hepatocytotoxicity and serious interstitial pneumonia, with hepatotoxicity specifically correlated to baicalin content [PMID:38787459]. Root extract and root powder are considered safe for use in cosmetics [PMID:40673531].

Grossesse et allaitement

Traditionally used to protect the fetus and avoid miscarriage [PMID:36216728].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Modeling studies have explored the potential for S. baicalensis components to act as inhibitors of human cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) [PMID:21846324].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of review articles (C) and in vitro/in vivo animal studies (D), with one systematic review (A) regarding breast cancer. Human clinical trial data is noted as limited [PMID:36443977].

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 31070530 (2018) — A comprehensive review on phytochemistry, pharmacology, and flavonoid biosynthesis of Scutellaria baicalensis. · Pharmaceutical biology
2.PMID: 31236960 (2019) — Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. (Lamiaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. · The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology
3.PMID: 36055377 (2022) — Baicalein ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via regulating GPX4/ACSL4/ACSL3 axis. · Chemico-biological interactions
4.PMID: 38518646 (2024) — Baicalein improves the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome by mitigating oxidative stress and ferroptosis in the ovary and gravid placenta. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
5.PMID: 36216728 (2023)

Chinese Skullcap

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Chinese Skullcap

Ganoderma Tsugae

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Var Persian

Terminalia Macroptera

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Grossesse et allaitement

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Chinese Skullcap

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Chinese Skullcap

Plantes associées

Ganoderma Tsugae

Glycyrrhiza Glabra Var Persian

Terminalia Macroptera

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Grossesse et allaitement

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales