SCUTELLARIA
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What Is SCUTELLARIA?
Scutellaria (Chinese skullcap) is a medicinal herb containing bioactive flavonoids, primarily baicalin and baicalein, that modulate GABA-A receptors and exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. It works by enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission, reducing neuroinflammation, and modulating stress hormone pathways, making it effective for anxiety, sleep disorders, and mood regulation.
SCUTELLARIA Research & Studies
01 Effects of a Scutellaria baicalensis/Crataegus laevigata, magnesium and chromium supplement on stressed individuals: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial ▸
A 15-day trial showed Scutellaria baicalensis combined with magnesium and chromium significantly improved psychological well-being, cognitive performance, and sleep quality in stressed adults without serious adverse effects.
View Study (PubMed)02 The Effects of Combined Scutellaria and Saffron Supplementation on Mood Regulation in Participants with Mild-to-Moderate Depressive Symptoms ▸
Combined Scutellaria and saffron supplementation demonstrated efficacy in improving mood regulation in participants with mild-to-moderate depression, with bioactive compounds modulating neurotransmitter systems and showing anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic effects.
View Study (PubMed)03 Efficacy and Tolerability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora Extract-Based Food Supplement for Sleep Management ▸
A randomized, double-blind crossover trial found Scutellaria lateriflora extract significantly improved sleep quality and showed good tolerability with no serious adverse effects reported.
View Study (PubMed)04 The effect of scutellaria baicalensis and its active ingredients on depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis ▸
Meta-analysis of 13 preclinical studies showed Scutellaria baicalensis significantly reduced depressive behaviors through anti-inflammatory effects and modulation of neurotransmitter systems, though heterogeneity among studies was noted.
View Study (PubMed)05 Pharmacological effects of baicalin in lung diseases ▸
Review of baicalin demonstrated therapeutic benefits in various lung diseases through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antiviral effects, with applications in COPD, asthma, and pulmonary infections.
View Study (PubMed)06 The effect of supplementation with Scutellaria baicalensis on hepatic function ▸
Systematic review found no evidence that Scutellaria baicalensis alone causes liver injury; previously reported cases involved concurrent use of other hepatotoxic supplements, suggesting the herb is safe for hepatic function when used appropriately.
View Study (PubMed)07 Bioactive compounds from Chinese herbal plants for neurological health: mechanisms, pathways, and functional food applications ▸
Review highlighted Scutellaria baicalensis compounds demonstrate significant neuroprotective properties through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurogenic effects, making them promising for prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
View Study (PubMed)SCUTELLARIA User Reviews & Experiences
*Based on large scale analysis of publicly available user experiences
Users consistently report effective anxiety reduction and improved sleep quality with Scutellaria, with many comparing it favorably to L-theanine or benzodiazepines. While some caution about potential memory effects at high doses, the majority find it well-tolerated and beneficial for stress management.
SCUTELLARIA Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects
- Anxiety Relief: Users report significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, with effects comparable to or stronger than L-theanine, described as 'calming without sedation'
- Sleep Improvement: Multiple users note better sleep quality, reduced nighttime waking, and easier falling asleep without next-day grogginess
- Mental Clarity: Several users report reduced brain fog and improved cognitive function, particularly when combined with other adaptogens
- GABA Modulation: Acts as a GABA-A receptor modulator, producing anxiolytic effects similar to but milder than benzodiazepines without the same dependency risk
- Rapid Onset: Users typically report effects within the first dose when using tinctures or extracts, with benefits accumulating over 1-2 weeks of consistent use
- Individual Response: Effectiveness varies significantly between individuals, with some reporting strong benefits while others notice minimal effects
- Synergistic Effects: Many users find it works better when combined with magnesium, ashwagandha, or other GABAergic compounds rather than as a standalone supplement
- Formulation Matters: Tinctures and standardized extracts (particularly those with high baicalein content) appear more effective than powdered forms according to user reports
- Standard Extract: 256-400mg of Scutellaria baicalensis extract standardized to ≥98% baicalein taken 1-2 times daily is commonly reported
- Tincture Form: Users report effectiveness with tinctures at manufacturer-recommended doses, typically absorbed more quickly than capsules
- Timing: Most effective when taken 30-60 minutes before bed for sleep benefits, or during the day for anxiety without causing excessive sedation
- Cycling: Some users recommend cycling (5 days on, 2 days off) to maintain effectiveness and prevent tolerance development
- Memory Effects: One user reported concerns about potential memory lapses at higher doses (300-600mg), though causality was uncertain
- Minimal Side Effects: Most users report no significant adverse effects when using moderate doses of quality extracts
- Sedation Risk: Can cause oversedation if combined with other GABAergic compounds or taken at high doses
- Hepatotoxicity Concerns: Research suggests liver injury cases involved concurrent use of other hepatotoxic supplements, not Scutellaria alone
- Widely Available: Scutellaria supplements are readily available from various online retailers and health stores in both extract and tincture forms
- Quality Variance: Users emphasize the importance of choosing standardized extracts with verified baicalein content for consistent results
- Species Distinction: Both Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) and Scutellaria lateriflora (American skullcap) are available, with somewhat different applications but similar anxiolytic properties
Related Compounds
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