From the Guidelines
Chinese skullcap should be held for 2 weeks before surgery due to its potential to exacerbate CNS depression in the perioperative period. Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is primarily used as an herbal remedy for inflammation, infections, allergies, and various health conditions. The root contains active compounds called flavonoids, particularly baicalin and baicalein, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties 1. Chinese skullcap is commonly used to treat respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma, reduce fever, alleviate allergies, and support liver health. It's also used for digestive issues, cardiovascular support, and as a complementary approach for certain cancers due to its potential anti-tumor effects. Some studies have investigated the use of Chinese skullcap in combination with other herbs for the treatment of severe conditions, such as COVID-19 pneumonia, where it is used as part of a decoction to detoxify and disperse blood stasis 1. However, the most critical consideration for its use is the potential risk of CNS depression, particularly in the perioperative period, as highlighted by the Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement (SPAQI) consensus statement 1. People taking blood thinners, sedatives, or diabetes medications should consult healthcare providers before use, as should pregnant or breastfeeding women. Key points to consider when using Chinese skullcap include:
- Potential interactions with other medications, such as blood thinners and sedatives
- Risk of CNS depression, particularly in the perioperative period
- Use in combination with other herbs for the treatment of severe conditions, such as COVID-19 pneumonia
- Importance of consulting healthcare providers before use, particularly for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
From the Research
Uses of Chinese Skullcap
- Chinese skullcap, also known as Scutellaria baicalensis, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat various health conditions, including diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, hemorrhaging, insomnia, inflammation, and respiratory infections 2.
- The root of Chinese skullcap contains flavones such as baicalin, wogonoside, and their aglycones baicalein and wogonin, which have been reported to have anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticonvulsant, and neuroprotective effects 2.
- Chinese skullcap has been used to treat inflammatory conditions, and its flavonoids have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer activities 3.
- A mixed extract containing baicalin and catechin from Chinese skullcap has been shown to be effective in managing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, with a better safety profile than naproxen 3.
- Chinese skullcap has been used in combination with other herbs, such as Acacia catechu, to treat various health conditions, including inflammatory diseases 3.
Pharmacological Properties
- The flavones extracted from Chinese skullcap have been reported to have various pharmacological functions, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects 2.
- Chinese skullcap has been shown to downregulate gene or protein expression of several inflammatory markers and exert strong antioxidant activity in several experimental models 3.
- The bioactive compounds in Chinese skullcap have been reported to have anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects, making it a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of various diseases 2.
Clinical Applications
- Chinese skullcap has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various health conditions, including respiratory infections, diarrhea, and insomnia 2.
- The flavonoids extracted from Chinese skullcap have been shown to be effective in managing the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee 3.
- Chinese skullcap has been used in combination with other herbs to treat various health conditions, including inflammatory diseases 3.