Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Une interaction plante-médicament se produit lorsqu'une plante ou un complément modifie l'action d'un médicament dans votre organisme — en le rendant plus puissant, moins efficace, ou plus susceptible de provoquer des effets nocifs. Les plantes contiennent des composés actifs qui peuvent accélérer ou ralentir les enzymes et transporteurs utilisés pour métaboliser les médicaments.

Pourquoi c'est important

Millepertuis peut rendre la contraception, les antidépresseurs et les anticoagulants moins efficaces.

Ail peut augmenter le risque de saignement avec la warfarine et autres anticoagulants (aussi ginkgo, gingembre et curcuma).

Kava peut amplifier la sédation avec les médicaments contre l'anxiété ou le sommeil (aussi la valériane).

Le risque est plus élevé chez les personnes âgées, ceux qui prennent plusieurs médicaments et les personnes atteintes de maladies chroniques.

Indiquez toujours à votre médecin et à votre pharmacien toutes les plantes et compléments que vous prenez — et vérifiez ci-dessous avant toute association.

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (1)

1 Modéré

Médicament	Sévérité	Description
Sedatives and Benzodiazepines	Modéré	Le skullcap peut renforcer les effets sédatifs des médicaments dépresseurs du système nerveux central.

Cette liste reflète un sous-ensemble sélectionné d'interactions documentées et n'est pas exhaustive. L'absence d'un médicament ici ne prouve pas qu'il est sans danger à combiner. Confirmez toujours auprès d'un pharmacien ou d'un professionnel de santé.

Questions fréquentes

How does skullcap work to reduce anxiety?

Skullcap contains flavonoids, particularly baicalin and scutellarin, which are believed to modulate GABA receptors in the brain. GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces neuronal excitability. These compounds may enhance GABA activity, producing calming effects without excessive sedation. Some research also suggests antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Evidence level: C (limited clinical data, primarily traditional use and preliminary research).

Can I take skullcap with other medications?

Skullcap may interact with sedative medications, including benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sleep aids, and antidepressants, potentially causing additive drowsiness or excessive CNS depression. It may also interact with anticonvulsant medications, affecting seizure control. Due to potential hepatotoxicity concerns, avoid combining skullcap with acetaminophen, alcohol, or other liver-stressing substances. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for skullcap?

For adults, the typical dosage is 1-2 grams of dried herb prepared as tea, taken three times daily. Alternatively, 350-500mg of standardized extract can be taken 2-3 times daily. Liquid tinctures (1:5 in 45% alcohol) are commonly dosed at 2-4mL three times daily. Start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance. Evidence level: C (traditional use with limited clinical standardization).

Is skullcap safe to take during pregnancy?

Skullcap is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb may stimulate uterine contractions, and insufficient safety data exists for fetal development. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use skullcap. Additionally, those with liver disease should avoid this herb due to rare reports of hepatotoxicity. Evidence level: C (based on traditional contraindications and lack of safety data).

What is skullcap herb used for?

Skullcap is traditionally used for nervous tension, anxiety relief, and as a gentle sleep aid. Native Americans historically used it for convulsions and nervous conditions. Modern herbalists value skullcap as a nervine that promotes relaxation without causing excessive sedation, making it suitable for daytime use. Some preliminary research suggests potential benefits for anxiety disorders. Evidence level: C (traditional use supported by limited clinical evidence).

What are the side effects of taking skullcap?

Common side effects include mild drowsiness, gastrointestinal upset, and occasionally giddiness. Rare cases of liver damage have been reported, though some may be attributed to adulterated products containing germander rather than true skullcap. Individuals with liver disease should avoid skullcap. Discontinue use immediately if you experience jaundice, dark urine, right-sided abdominal pain, or unexplained fatigue. Evidence level: C (based on case reports and pharmacovigilance data).

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 28 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a North American plant used traditionally as a sedative and nerve tonic [PMID:18786819, PMID:24354189], though it has been linked to cases of herb-induced liver injury [PMID:31644066, PMID:38495279].

Contexte

Scutellaria lateriflora, also known as American skullcap or blue skullcap, is a native plant of North America [PMID:24354189, PMID:30424560]. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family [PMID:35883492, PMID:15826062].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used by Native Americans and Europeans as a nerve tonic, sedative, and anticonvulsant to treat anxiety, stress, and insomnia [PMID:18786819, PMID:31644066, PMID:15826062].

Composés actifs

The plant contains a complex mixture of polyphenols, including flavonoids (such as baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, and wogonoside), phenylethanoid glycosides (such as verbascoside and acteoside), and amino acids including GABA and glutamine [PMID:18786819, PMID:14692724, PMID:28573603, PMID:37990031].

Mécanisme d'action

Baicalin and baicalein are known to bind to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA receptor [PMID:14692724]. Extracts have demonstrated the ability to inhibit cortisol release in vitro [PMID:38338331] and exhibit antioxidant and DNA-protecting effects [PMID:24354189].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BMood and Anxiety

In a double-blind crossover study of healthy volunteers, S. lateriflora significantly decreased Total Mood Disturbance scores compared to placebo, although no significant difference was found in Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores [PMID:23878109].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Skullcap has been linked to clinically apparent herb-induced liver injury (HILI), sometimes associated with significant mortality [PMID:31644066, PMID:38495279]. Liver injury is often reported when used in combination with other botanicals [PMID:31644066]. Additionally, S. lateriflora may be adulterated with Teucrium species (germander), which contain hepatotoxic diterpenes [PMID:19402188].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence for the use of S. lateriflora for mood management is limited to a single small RCT with mixed results [PMID:23878109]. There is stronger evidence from reviews and case reports regarding the risk of hepatotoxicity [PMID:31644066, PMID:38495279]. Much of the pharmacological data on 'skullcap' in the provided abstracts refers to S. baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) rather than S. lateriflora [PMID:36055377, PMID:38518646, PMID:40205009].

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 31644066 (2012) — Herb-induced liver injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis. · CITED REFERENCE
2.PMID: 36055377 (2022) — Baicalein ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via regulating GPX4/ACSL4/ACSL3 axis. · Chemico-biological interactions
3.PMID: 38495279 (2024) — Insights into skullcap herb-induced liver injury. · World journal of hepatology
4.PMID: 40205009 (2025) — Wogonin attenuates septic cardiomyopathy by suppressing ALOX15-mediated ferroptosis. · Acta pharmacologica Sinica
5.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

Skullcap

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Skullcap

Hops

Tibetan Valerian

Lavender

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

1 interaction médicamenteuse connue — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (1)

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Skullcap

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Skullcap

Plantes associées

Hops

Tibetan Valerian

Lavender

⚠️ Non recommandé pendant la grossesse ou l'allaitement

1 interaction médicamenteuse connue — Certaines peuvent être graves

Contre-indications

Effets secondaires possibles

Qu'est-ce qu'une interaction plante-médicament ?

Interactions Médicamenteuses Connues (1)

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales