Scientific Name: Baikal Scullcap
Other Names: Baikal Skullcap Root, Huang Qin, Hwanggum, Ogon, Scute, Scutellaria baicalensis, Wogon

Who is this for?

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.

PC-SPES, a combination product containing Baikal scullcap, should not be used.

Due to unpredictable effects on stomach function, individuals with stomach conditions or spleen disorders should not take Baikal scullcap.

Individuals with diabetes should avoid using Baikal scullcap because it blocks an enzyme that breaks down starches in the intestines. As a result, sugars are absorbed more slowly and blood sugar levels do not fluctuate as much. Potentially, hypoglycemia (blood sugar that is too low) could occur. Symptoms of low blood sugar may include shakiness, sweating, confusion, distorted speech, and loss of muscle control. If not corrected, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness and even death.

Precautions

Very little information is available on how Baikal scullcap might affect a developing fetus, an infant, or a small child. Therefore, its use is not recommended during pregnancy, breast-feeding, or early childhood.

What side effects should I watch for?

Major Side Effects

A few reports of liver damage have been associated with taking Baikal scullcap. The individuals involved, however, were taking products that could have been contaminated with other herbal products or chemicals.

Less Severe Side Effects

Baikal scullcap could cause drowsiness.

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, Sonata, 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.

Should I take it?

A species related to but different from the scullcap that grows in North America, Baikal scullcap originated in eastern Asia, where it has been used for centuries to treat infections of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. It is named for the Lake Baikal region of Russia, where it grows abundantly. Today, in Eastern medicine it is most often combined with other herbs to treat prostate cancer.

The part of Baikal scullcap that is used in medicine is the root, which is dug in the fall or spring of the year and then dried. Often the dried root is roasted, much like coffee beans are roasted, to improve the flavor. Plants are allowed to grow for 3 years to 4 years before the roots are harvested. Recent laboratory research has shown some promise for preparations made from Baikal scullcap leaves and stems, but results are too early to determine what effects such products may have.

Dosage and Administration

Note: PC-SPES, a combination product that contained Baikal scullcap, has been removed from the U.S. market. It is very important not to take any PC-SPES capsules.

Baikal scullcap is often combined with other herbals. Dosing for Baikal scullcap and the combination products that contain it varies according to the condition being treated and the combination product being used. Individuals who decide to use Baikal scullcap or a product containing it should follow the directions on the package that is purchased.

Summary

Most frequently combined with other herbals, Baikal scullcap may be antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory. It may also be beneficial in treating diabetes and high blood pressure, but all these uses need much more study before any of them can be recommended.

Baikal scullcap was included in a combination product known as PC-SPES, used to treat prostate cancer. The sale of PC-SPES has been stopped in the United States, however, due to contamination with prescription drugs. Taking PC-SPES is not recommended.

Risks

Individuals who have diabetes, stomach conditions, or spleen disorders should avoid taking Baikal scullcap. Its use is not recommended for small children, or for women who are breast-feeding or pregnant.

Side Effects

Baikal scullcap could cause drowsiness. In addition, some cases of liver damage have been associated with the use of Baikal scullcap. It is believed, however, that contamination with other substances was involved.

Interactions

Because it promotes sleepiness, Baikal scullcap can increase the sedation associated with certain prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other dietary supplements, and alcohol. It should be used carefully, if at all, while drugs for anxiety, colds and coughs, epilepsy, or insomnia are being taken. Many other medications may cause drowsiness, so a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before Baikal scullcap is taken with any prescription, non-prescription, or herbal product.

Baikal scullcap may have a lowering effect on blood sugar, therefore it may increase the effectiveness of medications or herbals used for the treatment of diabetes. Individuals who are taking insulin or oral drugs for diabetes should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using Baikal scullcap.

Last Revised July 31, 2007

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Last Revised July 31, 2007

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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