Skullcap extract 80% | Scutellaria baicalensis

Skullcap extract 80% | Scutellaria baicalensis

Properties: This fascinating Asian plant is worth checking out for many reasons – not just an unusual name or distinctive shape of flowers. Although it is named after Lake Baikal in Russia, Scutellaria baicalensis can be found in other Eastern lands. For centuries it has been used as one of the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. What properties made Chinese herbalists so fond of it? Well, first of all it benefits the general condition of the organism. However, most importantly, it improves the health of the nervous system. Thanks to modern science we can pinpoint the natural compounds of Scutellaria baicalensis that are responsible for these properties. While there are many of them, the most important are anti-inflammatory and antioxidative flavonoids.

Baikal skullcap should be associated particularly with its calming effect that also increases stress resilience. This plant directly influences the activity of neurotransmitters that regulate the intensity of emotional experiences (such as GABA). Thus, the Baikal skullcap effectively reduces the nervous tension and strong emotional response. Therefore, it is very useful when taken right before going to bed, as in the evening the organism needs to just wind down and relax. Supplementation of Scutellaria baicalensis is therefore recommended to all those who suffer from insomnia or sleep disturbances.

What is more, the Baikal skullcap can be treated as a kind of protection – just like its name suggests. It stimulates the immune system and thereby increases the defence of the organism against pathogens. On top of that, it has some antiviral and antibacterial properties. Scutellaria baicalensis supplementation has anti-inflammatory effects too, which helps to prevent tissue damage – also in the brain. Moreover, it benefits the general health of this key structure by promoting neurogenesis – the process of new neural cells production. In sum, it positively impacts the condition of the entire nervous system and keeps the mind bright also later in life. There is probably nothing else to do but try and see how the Baikal skullcap affects everyday functioning. Since the ancient Chinese healers have already recognized its value, it is worth exploring and benefiting from its natural properties.

Occurrence: Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is native to Eastern Russia, Mongolia and China where it grows on grassy highlands and river banks. These plants have great temperature tolerance – they can survive the cold up to -15℃. They have typical small lanceolate leaves placed on straight sprouts with inflorescences growing on top of them. The long calyx flowers are purple-blue in color. Due to their shape, this plant is often called ‘lion face’. The non-dying part of the Baikal skullcap is a small rhizome with a well-developed tap root. That root is the raw herbal material.  

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) the Baikal skullcap has been used for over 2000 years as a remedy for asthma attacks, allergies, digestive tract ailments, as well as in the therapy of viral, bacterial and fungal infections. In this ancient medical system it goes by the name “Huang Qin” and belongs to the group of 50 fundamental herbs. The first note about this herb was found in the scriptures of Zhu Danxi – one of the four greatest TCM medics in the Jin-Yuan dynasty (13th/14th century).

Biochemistry: Baikal skullcap owes its properties mainly to phenolic compounds: flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, diterpenes, and phenethyl glycosides. Up to date scientists have isolated and described structures of 35 phenolic compound types. Among them, the most important are flavonoids (baicalein, wogonin, chrysin, apigenin) and their glycosides (baicalin and vogonoside). There are also other interesting substances that work as side compounds, which enhance the activity of the main active ingredients, i.e. tannins, phenolic acids, essential oils, alkaloids, sterols and polysaccharides.

Fun fact: Common skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) grows in Europe and is related to Baikal skullcap. Similarly, it has been used in folk medicine for millennia. In European tradition this herb has been applied in order to calm down the mind, strengthen the organism but also as an ingredient with diuretic and antipyretic effects.