Herb

    Skullcap

    Scutellaria lateriflora

    TL;DR

    Skullcap is a traditional nervine with plausible GABA-related calming mechanisms, but human trials are almost nonexistent. Use caution: liver injury cases have been reported, often with adulterated products.

    Ideal For

    • Adults seeking a traditional mild calming herb

    Avoid If

    • Liver disease
    • Pregnancy
    • Taking sedative medications

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Overview

    American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has a long history in Western herbalism as a nervine for anxiety, tension and insomnia. Its flavonoids (baicalin, baicalein, scutellarein) bind the benzodiazepine site of GABA-A receptors in vitro and produce anxiolytic effects in animal models. However, rigorous human trials are lacking — one small placebo-controlled study suggested mood benefit, but this remains preliminary. Skullcap has also been implicated in case reports of hepatotoxicity, though many involved products adulterated with germander (Teucrium), a known hepatotoxin.

    How It Works

    • Baicalein binds the benzodiazepine site of GABA-A receptors
    • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid activity
    • Traditional use as an antispasmodic and nervine

    Quick Facts

    • Traditional dose: 1-2 g dried herb as tea, 2-3x daily
    • Do not confuse with Chinese skullcap (S. baicalensis), a different herb
    • Hepatotoxicity case reports exist, usually linked to adulteration

    Benefits & Outcomes

    No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.

    Health Concerns Addressed

    Anxiety

    symptom
    Insufficient evidence
    Limited
    Effectiveness 1/5

    Traditional use plus one tiny human study is not enough to recommend skullcap for anxiety over better-evidenced options.

    Supporting Research
    4 studies

    American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers

    Score: 6/10
    2014
    crossover
    n=43

    Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I +1 more

    American skullcap improved mood in healthy volunteers and was well tolerated.

    View source

    An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers

    Score: 4/10
    2003
    rct
    n=19

    Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL

    Preliminary evidence supports an anxiolytic effect of S. lateriflora.

    View source

    Plant-based medicines for anxiety disorders, part 2: a review of clinical studies with supporting preclinical evidence

    Score: 7/10
    2013
    systematic_review

    Sarris J, McIntyre E, Camfield DA

    Skullcap remains an under-researched anxiolytic with only preliminary clinical support.

    View source

    Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties

    Score: 4/10
    2003
    observational

    Awad R, Arnason JT, Trudeau V +4 more

    Constituents of S. lateriflora provide a plausible GABAergic mechanism for reported calming effects.

    View source

    Safety Information

    Potential Side Effects

    Drowsiness at higher doses. Rare case reports of liver injury — often involving adulterated products.

    Contraindications

    Liver disease; concurrent sedatives or hepatotoxic drugs; pregnancy.

    Drug Interactions

    • Sedatives and benzodiazepines (additive CNS depression)
    • Hepatotoxic medications

    Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

    Pregnancy: likely_unsafe

    Breastfeeding: insufficient_data

    Dosage Guidelines

    Dosage Used in Studies

    1-2 g dried herb

    Best Form

    Standardized extract or dried herb tea

    Bioavailability

    Flavonoid glycosides are moderately absorbed and extensively metabolized.

    Forms Compared

    Traditional; variable potency

    Preferred for consistent flavonoid content; still lacks human dosing trials

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.