2021's 10 Best Baikal Skullcap
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Baikal skullcap – also known as Chinese skullcap or Scutellaria baicalensis – is a medicinal herb native to China, Korea and Russia. It is part of the mint family and the interesting name comes from the shape of the flower that resembles medieval helmets or “skullcaps”.

The roots of the herb are commonly used in Traditional Chinese and Japanese Medicine where it’s known as Huang-Qin or the “golden herb”. For over 2000 years, natural remedies containing skullcap have been thought to treat:

• Inflammation
• Infections
• Enzymes
• Enzymes
• Immune cells

Skullcap is available in powder, tea, tincture and capsule form. But don’t be fooled by its links to the mint plant, it has a bitter taste.

Here are a few of the science-backed benefits of Baikal skullcap.

Rich in Antioxidants

Many of skullcap’s benefits are due to its content of nutrients and active compounds. This includes potent flavonoid antioxidants like baicalin and wogonoside found in the root of the herb.

Consuming an abundance of antioxidant compounds through diet and supplementation is important for good health. It allows us to shield our cells and body from oxidative damage that occurs from the free radicals we’re exposed to from cellular processes, stress, poor diet and pollution. Skullcap protects us from chronic free radical damage and systemic inflammation, a precursor to chronic illness and premature aging.

A 2015 study on young men doing resistance exercise had them consume a casein protein supplement or a placebo before bed for three months. The results found that muscle gains and strength were significantly greater in the casein protein group.

Provides Antimicrobial Activity

Baikal skullcap has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine to treat infections. Its content of flavonoid and phenolic compounds provide amazing antimicrobial properties. While clinical studies are lacking, there is some promising supportive research from laboratory studies.

A 2015 study found that Chinese skullcap had a total of thirty active compounds with potent antioxidant properties and antiviral effects against the dangerous H1N1 strain of flu.

Improves Allergies

Skullcap is a promising treatment for people with allergies. An active flavonoid compound found in skullcap, wogonin, has been studied for its ability to reduce the inflammatory symptoms associated with allergies.

TA 2018 study found that administering wogonin to animal subjects reduced immune hyperactivity and symptoms of allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever.

Stimulates Weight Loss

Two studies on animal subjects have found that skullcap extract – and particularly the flavonoid baicalin – prevents weight gain, especially around the belly.

The mechanism behind this is likely due to promoting the activity of the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzyme stimulates energy burning by encouraging glucose uptake by cells and oxidizing fatty acids.

Reduces Joint Pain

Chinese skullcap has amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may offer relief from chronic joint pain.

Studies in 2009 and 2014 found that herbal mixtures containing baicalin successfully reduced inflammatory molecules. It improved pain, inflammation and mobility of the knee joint, and was equally as effective as a pharmaceutical medication.

Improves Oral Health

The antimicrobial properties in Baikal skullcap may support oral health and offer relief from gum infections.

A study in 2011 showed that a toothpaste containing skullcap extract reduced plaque buildup and gum inflammation when compared to a placebo. This is good news as poor oral health can cause bad breath, cavities, infections and inflammation that lead to more serious health problems.

Skullcap Precautions

Research suggests that Baikal skullcap is generally safe to take. However, in rare cases, it may cause liver injury. As with my herbal supplements, it’s best to talk to your doctor if you’re taking any chronic medication as there may be an interaction.

References

1. Healthline: Skullcao
2. Selfhacked: Chinese Skullcap
3. NIH: Scutellaria baicalensis, the Golden Herb From the Garden of Chinese Medicinal Plants
4. NIH: Anti-H1N1 Virus, Cytotoxic and Nrf2 Activation Activities of Chemical Constituents From Scutellaria Baicalensis
5. NIH: Anti-inflammatory Effect of Wogonin on Allergic Responses in Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Rhinitis in the Mouse
6. NIH: Long-term Baicalin Administration Ameliorates Metabolic Disorders and Hepatic Steatosis in Rats Given a High-Fat Diet
7. NIH: Extracts of Scutellaria Baicalensis Reduced Body Weight and Blood Triglyceride in Db/Db Mice
8. NIH: Flavocoxid Is as Effective as Naproxen for Managing the Signs and Symptoms of Osteoarthritis of the Knee in Humans: A Short-Term Randomized, Double-Blind Pilot Study
9. NIH: A Combination of Scutellaria Baicalensis and Acacia Catechu Extracts for Short-Term Symptomatic Relief of Joint Discomfort Associated With Osteoarthritis of the Knee
10. NIH: Clinical and Antibacterial Effect of an Anti-Inflammatory Toothpaste Formulation With Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract on Experimental Gingivitis