Lamiaceae
Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
A nervine trophorestorative for frayed, overstimulated nerves — racing thoughts, tension, twitching and the irritability of exhaustion.
- Also known as
- American skullcap, Blue skullcap, Mad-dog skullcap
- Parts used
- Aerial parts
- Taste
- Bitter
- Energetics
- Cooling · Drying
- Sourcing
- Cultivated
Actions
Traditional use
Cherokee and other Indigenous peoples used skullcap for menstrual and nervous complaints. In 19th-century America it was promoted as a remedy for rabies — hence 'mad-dog'.
The Eclectic physicians prized it for 'nervousness from mental or physical exhaustion' and for tremors and spasms.
Research
Improves mood in healthy volunteers
ClinicalA small double-blind crossover trial showed improved global mood without reduced energy.
Brock C et al. Phytother Res. 2014;28(5):692–698.
Benzodiazepine-site binding
PreclinicalFlavones baicalin and baicalein act as GABA-A modulators in vitro and in rodents.
Key constituents
- Baicalin and baicalein
- Flavones that bind the benzodiazepine site of GABA-A receptors.
- Wogonin
- Flavone with anxiolytic activity in animal models.
Sourcing notes
Verify identity by HPTLC — germander adulteration has caused liver injury in the past.
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