Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Photo copyright Steven Foster

Parts used and where grown: Scullcap is a member of the mint family. Scutellaria lateriflora grows in eastern North America and is most commonly used in U.S. and European herbal products containing scullcap. The aerial part of the plant is used in herbal preparations. Scutellaria baicalensis is grown in China and Russia. The root of this plant is used in traditional Chinese herbal medicines and has been the focus of most scientific studies on scullcap.

In what conditions might scullcap be supportive?

• anxiety

• insomnia

Historical or traditional use: As is the case in modern herbal medicine, scullcap was used historically as a sedative for persons with nervous tension and insomnia. It was, and continues to be, commonly combined with valerian for insomnia.¹ It was also used as a remedy for epilepsy and nerve pain. Chinese scullcap is typically used in herbal combinations to treat inflammatory skin conditions, allergic diseases, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood pressure.

Active constituents: Few studies have been completed on the constituents of American scullcap. One of its constituents, scutellarian, has been shown to have mild sedative and antispasmodic actions.² The root of Chinese scullcap also contains a flavonoid substance, baicalin, that has been shown to have protective effects on the liver. Anti-allergy effects and the inhibition of bacteria and viruses in test tube studies has been documented with Chinese scullcap.³

How much should I take? A scullcap tea can be made, by pouring 250ml (1cup) of boiling water over 1-2 U.S. teaspoons (5-10 grams) of the dried herb and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes; this tea may be drunk three times per day. As a tincture, American scullcap can be taken in the amount of 2-4 ml three times per day. For the dried herb, 1-2 grams three times per day is often used. In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, scullcap is typically recommended as a tea made from 3-9 grams of the dried root.

Are there any side effects or interactions? Use of scullcap in the amounts listed above is generally safe. Due to limited information on the safety of scullcap during pregnancy and lactation, it should be avoided by pregnant or lactating women. Recently, cases of liver damage were reportedly associated with intake of scullcap. On closer examination, it appears that these scullcap products actually contained germander, an herb known to cause liver toxicity.

References:

1. Hoffman D. The Herbal Handbook: A User’s Guide to Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1988, 77.
2. Foster S. Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1996, 86–7.
3. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996, 239–40.

 

Copyright © 1998 Virtual Health, LLC

The information presented in HealthNotes Online is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your physician, nutritionally-oriented health care practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications.