Scientific Name                                             Scutellaria baicalensis (synonym: Scutellaria macrantha)                                          Family                                             Lamiaceae/Labiatae                                          Other Common Names                                                  Baicalein, Baikal  Scullcap, Baikal Skullcap Root, Chinese Skullcap, Chinesisches  Helmkraut, Escutelaria Asiatica, Escutelaria de Baikal,                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    |                                                                                                                                                                          Caution  

Do not confuse Baikal skullcap with the similarly named Skullcap.

                                   Baikal skullcap is a perennial herb  native to southern China and Korea. It is also found in parts of Russia (33504, 101739). Traditionally, Baikal skullcap has been used for psychiatric disorders and as an antipyretic.                                 

Laboratory analysis suggests that Teucrium chamaedrys, a potential hepatotoxin, may accumulate in Baikal skullcap raw material (33435).  In addition, Baikal skullcap may also be known as an ingredient in  PC-SPES, a mixture of herbs once used for prostate cancer. PC-SPES has  been recalled from the U.S. market due to possible contamination and  should not be used (33339, 92778).

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19):  Despite claims to the contrary, there is no good evidence to support  using Baikal skullcap for COVID-19. Recommend healthy lifestyle choices  and proven prevention methods instead.

Possibly Safe                                                                 when  used orally and appropriately, short-term. Oral Baikal skullcap 0.5-3.52  grams daily has been used with apparent safety for up to 8 weeks (92776, 101738, 101739, 110023). However, a high quality assessment of safety has not been conducted.                                                             

                                                               A  specific product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) containing  flavocoxid, a mixture of Baikal skullcap flavonoid extract and catechu  extract, has been associated with an increased risk for liver and lung  injury. In 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally  requested the recall of all non-expired lots of this product (106042). It is unclear if these effects were due to Baikal skullcap, catechu, or the combination.                                                             

                                                               There is  insufficient reliable information available about the safety of Baikal  skullcap when used intravenously or topically.                                                             

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:                                                                Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.                                                             

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Orally,  Baikal skullcap seems to be well-tolerated. There is currently a  limited amount of information on the adverse effects of intravenous and  topical Baikal skullcap.

Orally: Abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, erythema, nausea, pruritus, and vomiting.

Intravenously: Skin reactions.

Topically: Dermatitis. 

Orally:  Hepatotoxicity and hypersensitivity pneumonitis have been reported with  a specific combination product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals)  containing extracts of Baikal skullcap and catechu.

                                                                                                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Insufficient Reliable Evidence to Rate                                                                       

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for allergic  rhinitis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical  effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for anxiety,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for  atherosclerosis, there is insufficient reliable information about the  clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for ADHD, there  is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Intravenous  Baikal skullcap has only been evaluated in combination with other  ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for cancer, there  is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

It is unclear if oral Baikal skullcap is beneficial in patients with diabetes.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for epilepsy,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

It is unclear if intravenous Baikal skullcap is beneficial in patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for headache,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for hemorrhoids,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for hepatitis,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for HIV/AIDS,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for insomnia,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Oral Baikal skullcap has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

It is unclear if oral Baikal skullcap is beneficial in patients with Peyronie disease.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for prostate  cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical  effects of Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for psoriasis,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral Baikal skullcap for seizures,  there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of  Baikal skullcap for this purpose.

Although  there has been interest in using oral and intravenous Baikal skullcap  for upper respiratory tract infections, there is insufficient reliable  information about the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap for this  purpose.

More evidence is needed to rate Baikal skullcap for these uses.

Research is limited; typical dosing is unavailable.  

All routes of administration:Research is limited; typical dosing is unavailable.

Laboratory  research shows that, while most Baikal skullcap extracts contain  quantifiable amounts of baicalein and/or baicalin, significant  product-to-product and batch-to-batch variation in these markers exists (92777).

In traditional Chinese medicine, Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria  baicalensis) may commonly be substituted with other Scutellaria species,  including Scutellaria viscidula, Scutellaria amonea, and Scutellaria  ikoninikovii (5541).

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  Interaction Rating Minor Be watchful with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence UNLIKELY   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity HIGH   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically,  Baikal skullcap might increase the risk of bleeding when used  concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 B                                                                                 (Lower quality RCT)    

Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically,  concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antihypertensive drugs might  have additive effects and increase the risk of hypotension.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically,  concomitant use of Baikal skullcap and antithyroid drugs may result in  additive activity and increase the risk of hypothyroidism.

  Interaction Rating Minor Be watchful with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence UNLIKELY   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically,  Baikal skullcap might cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects  when used concomitantly with drugs with sedative properties.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzymes.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 enzymes.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically,  concomitant use of large amounts of Baikal skullcap might interfere  with hormone replacement therapy, due to competition for estrogen  receptors.

  Interaction Rating Moderate Be cautious with this combination.     Severity MODERATE   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (Theoretical based on pharmacology)    

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might reduce lithium excretion and increase serum levels of lithium.

  Interaction Rating Minor Be watchful with this combination.     Severity MILD   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 B                                                                                 (Lower quality RCT)    

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might alter the levels and clinical effects of OATP substrates.

  Interaction Rating Minor Be watchful with this combination.     Severity MILD   Occurrence POSSIBLE   Level of Evidence                                                                                 D                                                                                 (In vitro or animal study)    

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein.

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Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might inhibit platelet aggregation.

Theoretically, garlic might decrease the absorption of baicalin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap.

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might have hypoglycemic effects, although this effect appears to be unlikely.

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap may have hypotensive activity.

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase the risk of sedation, although this effect appears to be unlikely.

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There is insufficient reliable information available about the presentation or treatment of overdose with Baikal skullcap.

Clinical  research in healthy adults shows that taking tablets containing  baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, 600 mg by mouth every 8  hours for 6 days results in a maximum concentration of 1323 ng/mL and a  time to maximum concentration of approximately 2 hours (110023).  Taking baicalein with food appears to increase the maximum plasma  concentration of baicalein, but does not affect the overall exposure to  baicalein (105868).

After  oral administration of Baikal skullcap root in rats, free forms of  baicalein and wogonin, as well as the glucuronide and sulfate  conjugates, appear in the liver, kidney, and lung (33464). Some in vitro research also suggests that baicalein is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as gut epithelium (33409).

Baikal skullcap constituents and their metabolites are primarily excreted in urine (33352, 33355, 33496).  Baicalein-6-O-beta-glucopyranuronoside,  6-O-methyl-baicalin-7-O-beta-glucopyranuronoside, and baicalin are  detected in urine following oral administration of baicalin (33355). The serum half-life of baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, is approximately 9-15 hours (105868, 110023).

The  applicable parts of Baikal skullcap are the root and, to a lesser  extent, the above ground parts. Most pharmacological activity has been  attributed to flavonoid constituents, including baicalin, baicalein,  wogonin, and scutellarein (33356, 33375, 33417, 33431, 33448, 33470).

Baikal  skullcap is traditionally used to treat allergy symptoms. In vitro  research suggests that baicalin from Baikal skullcap inhibits the  release of histamine and leukotriene from mast cells (33445).

Many  of the clinical effects of Baikal skullcap are thought to be due to its  anti-inflammatory effects. Some in vitro research suggests that Baikal  skullcap and its constituents may have anti-inflammatory and  immunomodulatory effects, based on the modulating effects of cytokines  (interleukins and interferons), eicosanoids, nitric oxide, and other  inflammatory mediators (5541, 12847, 12848, 17031, 33344, 33347, 33378, 33432, 33439, 33459, 33487, 33498).

Baikal  skullcap is traditionally used for cancer, especially prostate cancer.  Numerous animal and in vitro studies have evaluated the potential  anticancer properties of Baikal skullcap and its constituents (5541, 6294, 33338, 33348, 33350, 33358, 33364, 33367, 33368, 33369)(33375, 33380, 33381, 33386, 33389, 33390, 33401, 33419, 33428, 33442)(33451, 33456, 33479, 33488, 33489, 33502, 92774, 92775).  Potential mechanisms of action likely involve apoptosis via suppression  of cellular events and inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids (33358, 33396, 33467, 33479, 33483, 33506, 92774). Additional in vitro research suggests that Baikal skullcap may have antiangiogenic effects (33357, 33426). The antiangiogenic effects of Baikal skullcap may be due to toll-like receptor 4 signal transduction pathways (33426).

Baikal  skullcap is of interest for diabetes. Human research shows that taking  Baikal skullcap has a small effect on postprandial, but not fasting,  glucose levels (101738). Animal research shows that the constituent baicalein inhibits alpha-glucosidase activity (6292). Also, the constituent baicalin reduces elevated insulin concentrations following a high-fat diet (33444). In vitro research suggests that baicalein inhibits intestinal sucrase (6292).

In  vitro research suggests that Baikal skullcap inhibits the activity of  the human immunodeficiency virus, by interfering with its entry into  cells as well as its replication (5541, 33337, 33340, 33492).

Some animal research shows that oroxylin A, a constituent of Baikal skullcap root, produces relaxation of the rat uterus (33420).

There  is interest in using Baikal skullcap to treat Peyronie disease. Some  researchers have suggested that a constituent of Baikal skullcap,  wogonin, inhibits cell proliferation and downregulates the profibrotic  factor monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1). Preliminary  observational research in adults with Peyronie disease has found that  taking Baikal skullcap extract 150 mL twice daily is associated with  reduced plaque volume and curvature when compared with no treatment (105867).

Baikal  skullcap is traditionally used for various types of infections. In  vitro research suggests that constituents of Baikal skullcap have  varying effects on immune mediators suggesting the potential for changes  in activity and proliferation of cells involved in the immune response (33344, 33414, 33443).  Additionally, a small clinical study in healthy adults receiving a  quadrivalent influenza vaccine shows that taking a supplement containing  extracts of Baikal skullcap and catechu twice daily for 56 days  (starting 28 days before vaccination) modestly increases the overall  immunoglobulin response to vaccination, but does not improve the levels  of influenza-A or influenza-B specific antibodies or lymphocyte response  when compared with placebo (112175).

Baikal  skullcap is of interest for atherosclerosis. Some animal research shows  that Baikal skullcap significantly reduces serum total cholesterol  (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),  and apo B concentrations; increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol  (HDL-C) and apo AI levels (33363, 33410).

Baikal  skullcap is traditionally used for seizures, psychiatric disorders, and  anxiety. Although the mechanism of action is not known, Baikal skullcap  has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in laboratory research,  possibly through antioxidant mechanisms (33413, 33423, 33473, 33505).

Baikal  skullcap is traditionally used for prostate cancer and as an  anti-inflammatory agent. In an animal model of benign prostatic  hyperplasia, Baikal skullcap inhibited inflammation and proliferation of  cells possibly by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase (101740).

Baikal  skullcap is thought to have sedative effects. In vitro research  suggests that flavonoids from Baikal skullcap bind to GABA-A receptors  with possible benzodiazepine-like effects (6290, 6291).

Antiplatelet Agents,                                     Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) Inhibitors,                                     Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) Inhibitors,                                     Diuretics,                                     Hypoglycemic Agents,                                     Immunomodulators,                                     Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide (OATP) Inducer,                                     P-Glycoprotein Inhibitors,                                     Sedative-Hypnotic Agents,                                     Vasodilators  

See Monograph References  

Literature Review Current Through: 7/18/2025, Last Updated: 7/5/2026

The contents of this resource are not  intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis,  or treatment. Clinical input is needed from a qualified healthcare  provider before taking any supplement or starting any therapy. Do not  delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any  information displayed in this resource.

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