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Herbs & Supplements
Scutellaria baicalensis
Scientific Name: Baikal Scullcap
Other Names: Baikal Skullcap Root, Huang Qin, Hwanggum, Ogon, Scute, Wogon
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Uses
Note: Baikal or Chinese scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is different from a related plant called American scullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).
Baikal scullcap was among several herbal ingredients in a non-prescription combination herbal product known as PC-SPES that was taken orally to treat prostate cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a nationwide recall of all PC-SPES in 2002 because the capsules were found to contain varying and unpredictable amounts of prescription drugs. Subsequently, the company that made PC-SPES went out of business. Although products claiming to be PC-SPES may be available, they are not the original formulation, they may contain different amounts or kinds of ingredients, and they may not be effective or safe. Taking any product identified as PC-SPES is strongly discouraged.
Used more extensively in Asia than in the Americas or Europe, Baikal scullcap contains active flavonoids, chemicals that have a wide range of effects in the body. Two of its flavonoids, baicalin and wogonin, are known to counteract inflammation, which is the body's response to irritation, injury, or infection. Inflammation usually includes pain, redness, and swelling in the area of the damage and it can occur within body tissues as well as on the surface of the skin. Both oral and topical forms of Baikal scullcap are being tested to treat inflammatory conditions that range from dermatitis to inflammatory bowel disease. Baicalin and other chemicals in Baikal scullcap may inhibit angiogenesis--meaning that they may stop or slow down the growth of new blood vessels. Interfering with angiogenesis may help reduce the growth of cancerous tumors and prevent their spreading. Baikal scullcap is also an antifungal, particularly for Candida, and it also seems to have antiviral properties; including possible effectiveness against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Additionally, in animal studies, Baikal scullcap has shown some effectiveness for treating diabetes and high blood pressure. None of these possible effects has been confirmed by well-controlled human studies, however.
Baikal scullcap and combination formulas containing it are used in Asian medicine to improve impaired brain function and to treat headaches. Although the reasons are not clear, Baikal scullcap appears to protect nerve cells from damage. Potentially, this effect may help to treat dementia, which is an increasing deficiency in thought processes caused by brain damage from a stroke or from diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Some recent study results also show that Baikal scullcap may help to relieve stomach damage and nausea caused by irinotecan (a cancer drug) and ritonavir (an antiviral used to treat HIV/AIDS). Again, however, all these uses need more study before they can be recommended.
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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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Who is this for? 
