Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi Lamiaceae. Baikal skullcap. Distribution: China. There are several hundred species of Scutellaria, also known as skull caps, so correct identification is important - in particular from Scutellaria lateriflora an American species known as Blue skullcap. The latter is used as an abortifacient and to expel placenta by the Cherokee and for cleaning the throat by the Iroquois (Austin, 2004). Much vaunted as a treatment for rabies with unlikely statistics (1,400 cases cured by one doctor alone). Also as ‘antispasmodic, nervine, [for] chorea, convulsions, tetanus, tremors, delirium tremens, [and as a] diaphoretic and diuretic'. Toxicity symptoms include mental confusion, stupor, headache, vertigo, photophobia, dilated pupils, difficulty in micturition, bradycardia, tremulousness and languor, followed by wakefulness and restlessness (Milspaugh, 1974). Hutchens (1991) reported that it reduces sexual desire and was used for almost every nervous illness. Scutellaria baicalensis contains baicalin, baicalein and wogonin (European Medicines Agency, September 2010). It is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating inflammation, cancer, bacterial and viral infections of the lungs and gut and is one of the '50 Chinese herbs' in the lists of some authors. Scutellaria lateriflora (combined with Verbena officinalis, Passiflora incarnata and the seed of Avena sativa (oats) is licensed for use in Britain as a herbal medicine for temporary relief of mild symptoms of stress such as mild anxiety and to aid sleep, based upon traditional use only. Scutellaria baicalensis is not licensed for use in the UK (UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)).

Oakeley, Dr. Henry F. (2013). Wellcome Library notes. Link

In traditional herbal medicine: Baikal skullcap is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs and is used primarily in treating "hot and damp" conditions such as dysentery and diarrhoea[218, 254]. It has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years and recent research has found that the roots contain flavonoids that greatly enhance liver function and also have anti-inflammatory and antiallergenic effects[238].

http://www.pfaf.org, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Scutellaria+baicalensis

Medicinal uses Uses supported by clinical data None. Although clinical case reports suggest that Radix Scutellariae may stimulate the immune system and induce haematopoiesis (17–19), data from controlled clinical trials are lacking. Uses described in pharmacopoeias and well established documents Treatment of fever, nausea and vomiting, acute dysentery, jaundice, coughs, carbuncles and sores, and threatened abortion (3, 4). Uses described in traditional medicine Treatment of allergies, arteriosclerosis, diarrhoea, dermatitis and hypertension (7). Contraindications Owing to possible teratogenic and mutagenic effects (58, 59), and a lack of safety data, use of Radix Scutellariae is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing and in children under the age of 12 years.

WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants. Volume 3. 2007. WHO, Geneva Location:

Asia-Temperate, China

Asia-Temperate, Mongolia

Asia-Temperate, Russian Far East

Asia-Temperate, Siberia