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Herbs & Supplements
Scutellaria baicalensis
Scientific Name: Baikal Scullcap
Other Names: Baikal Skullcap Root, Huang Qin, Hwanggum, Ogon, Scute, Wogon
What interactions should I watch for?
Prescription Drugs
In animal studies, chemicals in Baikal scullcap have been shown to block an enzyme that digests starches from food. As a result, blood sugar levels may be lower than expected. If Baikal scullcap is taken at the same time that insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs are used to control diabetes, the effects of the drugs could be increased. Blood sugar levels could become too low, resulting in a condition called hypoglycemia. Signs of hypoglycemia include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
When Baikal scullcap is used with prescription drugs that promote sleepiness, the effects of the drug may be exaggerated, resulting in sedation or mental impairment. Prescription drugs that can cause sleepiness include:
- Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproic acid
- Barbiturates such as phenobarbital
- Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, diazepam, and lorazepam
- Drugs for insomnia such as Lunesta, Rozerem, zaleplon, and zolpidem
- Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, amoxapine, doxepin and nortriptyline
Non-prescription Drugs
The sleep-producing effects of over-the-counter products containing diphenhydramine or doxylamine may be enhanced by taking Baikal scullcap at the same time. Diphenhydramine and doxylamine are contained in many over-the-counter sleep aids as well as in some cough and cold products. Caution should be used when taking these medications with Baikal scullcap because excessive drowsiness may result.
Herbal Products
Baikal scullcap may cause excessive sedation if taken with other sedating herbs such as:
- Catnip
- Hops
- Kava
- St. John's Wort
- Valerian
Foods
No interactions between Baikal scullcap and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol at the same time as using Baikal scullcap by mouth may result in increased drowsiness.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how Baikal scullcap interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
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Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.
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What interactions should I watch for?
