Recommended Dosage of Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) for Anxiety or Sleep Aid
Skullcap should be held for at least 2 weeks prior to surgery due to its dose-dependent sedative effects, but can be used at a dosage of 1335 mg of dried root daily for anxiety or sleep aid in non-surgical contexts. 1
Evidence-Based Dosing Recommendations
For Anxiety
- Standard dosage: 1335 mg of dried root daily 2
- This dosage has been studied for long-term use (average of 444 days) without showing signs of hepatic dysfunction
- Demonstrated anxiolytic effects in double-blind, placebo-controlled studies 3
For Sleep Aid
- Standard dosage: 1335 mg of dried root daily, taken in the evening
- The FDA has designated skullcap as an "herb of undefined safety" with concerns for dose-dependent sedation 1
- May have additive CNS depressive effects when combined with other sedatives
Administration Methods
Extraction Methods
- Hot water extraction: Traditional method, effective for extracting flavonoid glycosides 4
- 70% ethanol extraction: Similar efficacy to hot water extraction for total flavonoids 4
- Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE): Best results at 85°C with water for flavonoid glycosides and amino acids 4
Safety Considerations
Potential Side Effects
- Dose-dependent sedation is the primary concern 1
- May have additive effects with other CNS depressants
- Long-term supplementation (over 1 year) at 1335 mg daily has not shown evidence of hepatic dysfunction 2
Drug Interactions
- May potentiate effects of:
- Benzodiazepines
- Other sedatives or sleep aids
- CNS depressants
Contraindications
- Should be held for at least 2 weeks before surgical procedures 1
- Use with caution in patients taking other sedative medications
Active Compounds
Skullcap contains several bioactive compounds:
- Flavonoids with anxiolytic properties 5
- Thirteen identified flavonoids and one stilbene derivative 5
- The aerial parts of S. lateriflora contain higher amounts of flavonoids than the root 6
Quality Considerations
When selecting skullcap products:
- Ensure proper identification of species (Scutellaria lateriflora specifically)
- Commercial products vary in flavonoid content 6
- Dietary supplements may contain amounts of flavonoids comparable to medicinal preparations 6
Clinical Pearls
- Skullcap has been used traditionally for over 200 years as a mild relaxant for anxiety, nervous tension, and convulsions 5
- The anxiolytic effects have been demonstrated in controlled studies 3
- When using for sleep, take approximately 1 hour before bedtime to allow for onset of action
- Monitor for excessive sedation, especially when starting treatment