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

What is a herb–drug interaction?

A herb–drug interaction happens when a plant or supplement changes how a medication works in your body — making it stronger, weaker, or more likely to cause harm. Herbs contain active compounds that can speed up or slow down the enzymes and transporters your body uses to process drugs.

Why it matters

St. John's Wort can make birth control, antidepressants, and blood thinners less effective.

Garlic can increase bleeding risk with warfarin and other blood thinners (also ginkgo, ginger, and turmeric).

Kava can amplify sedation when taken with anxiety or sleep medications (also valerian).

The risk is highest for older adults, anyone taking several medications, and people with chronic conditions.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every herb and supplement you take — and check below before combining.

Known Drug Interactions (1)

1 Moderate

Drug	Severity	Description
Sedatives and Benzodiazepines	Moderate	Skullcap may enhance sedative effects of CNS depressant medications.

This list reflects a curated subset of documented interactions and is not exhaustive. The absence of a drug here is not proof that it is safe to combine. Always confirm with a pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Frequently asked questions

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).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 28 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

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].

Background

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].

Traditional uses

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].

Active compounds

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].

Mechanism of 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].

Clinical evidence

Evidence 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].

Safety & adverse effects

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].

Evidence summary

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].

PubMed sources

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 & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Skullcap

Tibetan Valerian

Hops

Passionflower

⚠️ Not Recommended During Pregnancy or Nursing

1 Known Drug Interaction — Some May Be Serious

Contraindications

Possible Side Effects

What is a herb–drug interaction?

Known Drug Interactions (1)

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Skullcap

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Skullcap

Related Herbs

Tibetan Valerian

Hops

Passionflower

⚠️ Not Recommended During Pregnancy or Nursing

1 Known Drug Interaction — Some May Be Serious

Contraindications

Possible Side Effects

What is a herb–drug interaction?

Known Drug Interactions (1)

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources