IngredientsScutellaria baicalensis Georgi is a species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae family. It is a perennial herb of the family Lamiaceae that mainly grows at an altitude of 60–2000 m in sandy soil on sunny slope land. The plant is natively distributed in East Asia and widely cultivated in European and American countries.
Common names in various languages include Baikal skullcap, Chinese skullcap, Huang Qin, Hooded Skullcap, Escutelaria de Baical, Escutelaria China, Chinesischer Helmkraut, Baikal-Helmkraut, and Hwanggeum. As the term "skullcap" is applied to over 200 plant varieties, the scientific name is used to distinguish this species clearly from related plants such as Scutellaria lateriflora (North American skullcap).
Scutellaria baicalensis is a tap root perennial herb whose roots are rhizomatous with elongated, branched, fleshy, and 2 cm wide in diameter. Volatile compounds are concentrated in the stem base and rhizomes. The stem is glabrous, stalkless, and puberulent ranging from 35 to 140 cm in length, 3 mm in diameter, tetragonal in shape, and striped.
The dry roots of the plant are often used as medicine. The dried root of Huang-Qin is often prepared by decoction (boiling) or as tinctures. It is mainly found in northern provinces of China such as Hebei, Shandong, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia. Typically, the root is harvested in spring or autumn for herbal applications.
In modern commerce, the herb is available in multiple forms: Today, Scutellaria baicalensis extract appears in capsules, tinctures, powders, and complex herbal formulas. Tinctures or fluid extracts—alcohol or glycerin extracts—are dosed in drops or milliliters, while traditional decoctions consist of dried root slices boiled in water, usually as part of a multi-herb TCM formula prescribed by a practitioner.
Huang-Qin is now listed officially in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015), European Pharmacopoeia (EP 9.0), and British Pharmacopoeia (BP 2018). Chinese people have used the dried root of this medicinal plant for more than 2000 years as a traditional medicine known as Huang-Qin, and it is now listed officially in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
It is indigenous to several East Asian countries and the Russian Federation and has been cultivated in many European countries. China is the main producer of S. baicalensis for medicinal use. Large-scale cultivation programs have been initiated in China since 1958 to help meet the increasing demand for its root and as an effort to preserve wild resources. It is however still a highly popular medicinal plant whose wild resources are exploited.
The therapeutic use of S. baicalensis in China spans a historical period of no less than two millennia. The earliest documentation of Huang-Qin may be traced back to Shennong's Classic of Herbal Medicine (Shennong Bencao Jing). Huang-Qin was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing (The Classic of Herbal Medicine), written between about 200 and 250 AD, for treatment of bitter, cold, lung and liver problems.
The most authoritative book on traditional Chinese medicine, Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), which was first published in 1593, reported that Scutellaria baicalensis had been used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, hypertension, hemorrhaging, insomnia, inflammation and respiratory infections. Its author, Li Shizhen, reported successful self-administration to treat a severe lung infection when he was 20 years old.
According to the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Huang-Qin is said to possess several therapeutic properties such as dampness-eliminating, heat-clearing, detoxification, fire-purging, miscarriage prevention, and hemostasis maintenance. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang Qin) is classified as a "heat-clearing" and "dampness-draining" herb.
In TCM, S. baicalensis targets the Gallbladder, Large Intestine, Lung, and Stomach meridians. Scutellaria Root's medicinal value was first documented in the Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), where it was listed as a middle-grade herb. Ancient texts noted its bitter taste and its use for conditions like fever, jaundice, dysentery, amenorrhea, and skin sores.
In many Eastern countries, Huang-Qin is prescribed as a part of a multi-herb formulation. It is the key component herb for many famous Chinese medicine patent drugs, such as Gegen Qinlian Pills (to treat diarrhea, dysentery, fever, and influenza), Lanqin Oral Liquid (to treat sore throat), and Yinzhihuang Granules (to treat jaundice).
Baikal skullcap is one of the most widely used Chinese remedies in Western herbal practice, applied to some of the most challenging modern health problems. The herb has also attracted attention in Korean traditional medicine, where oroxylin A, a flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis, is considered one of the most important medicinal components in traditional Korean medicine.
The chemical components of S. baicalensis roots are mainly flavonoids, anthraquinones, lignin, organic acids, volatile oils, and other compounds. A total of 126 small molecules and 6 polysaccharides have been isolated from S. baicalensis. The small molecules can be classified into four structural types, namely, free flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, phenylethanoid glycosides, and other small molecules.
Several phytochemicals have been isolated from the root; baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, norwogonin, oroxylin A and β-sitosterol are the major ones. Flavones and flavone glycosides include baicalin (quickly converted in the gut to its aglycone baicalein), and wogonoside (converted to wogonin). Over 40 other flavonoids and their flavonols, dihydroflavones and their dihydroflavonols, chalcones and bioflavonoids have also been identified.
Quantitative studies have characterized relative abundances of key aglycones. The primary bioactive components baicalein, wogonin and oroxylin A were isolated from the roots of S. baicalensis by a high-speed counter-current chromatography method, and their contents were 29.9%, 10.8% and 2.5%, respectively.
The low oral bioavailability of baicalin (<2.2%) and its poor solubility may limit its clinical efficacy. The reasons may be related to the fact that S. baicalensis and its major metabolites, such as flavonoid glycosides, are highly polar compounds that cannot pass through the lipid bilayer via passive diffusion, resulting in poor absorption in the intestine. Baicalin is the predominant metabolite found in blood following oral administration. Studies indicate that baicalin undergoes a complex metabolic process in vivo, which includes gastrointestinal hydrolysis, enterohepatic circulation, and carrier-mediated transport.
Baicalin contains a glucuronide moiety in its structure, by which baicalin and baicalein show complex pharmacokinetic behaviors, due to the interconversion between them by phase II enzymes in the body. After consumption, the compounds are oxidized in the human organism by the cytochrome P450 pathway and by liver microsomal enzymes, which leads to changes in their structures and pharmacological properties.
The anti-inflammatory activity of wogonin, baicalin and baicalein has been reported as occurring through inhibition of inducible nitric oxide synthase and COX-2 enzyme production induced by nitric oxide inhibitors and lipopolysaccharides. Baicalin from Scutellaria baicalensis reportedly inhibits superantigenic staphylococcal exotoxins stimulated T-cell proliferation and production of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. Thus, the anti-inflammatory activity of baicalin has been associated with inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines mediated signaling pathways activated by superantigens.
Water extract of S. baicalensis has previously been shown to inhibit the expression of IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS and production of PGE2 and NO in culture supernatant of LPS-stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. S. baicalensis promotes anti-inflammatory effects through inhibition of HMBG1/TLR4/NF-κB, AKT/SIRT1/NF-κB, and GSK3/NF-κB axes, leading to a reduction in NLRP3 and proinflammatory cytokines levels.
The activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway is the key mechanism by which they exert an antioxidant effect. The ethanolic extract of Scutellariae radix effectively inhibited the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase. Flavonoid compounds found in the extract, including baicalein, have strong antiradical activity, which improves overall health and increases feelings of well-being.
There are reports of the anxiolytic effect of wogonin from S. baicalensis and positive allosteric modulation of the GABA-A receptor complex via interaction at the benzodiazepine site (BZD-S). By acting as MAO A/B inhibitors, S. baicalensis and its bioactive ingredients (mostly baicalin and baicalein) induce monoamine, and mostly dopamine release. At the same time, they act as partial, subtype-selective GABA-A receptor ligands and also foster the interaction of GABA-A receptors with TrkB to potentiate GABA-induced signaling. By increasing cAMP/pERK and PI3K/pAKT signaling, they promote the synthesis of neurotrophic factors (BDNF and NGF) as well as neurogenesis.
Wogonin has the ability to inhibit the growth of tumor cells, induce apoptosis, and suppress angiogenesis. The molecular mechanisms involve reactive oxygen species, Ca²⁺, NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. S. baicalensis contains hundreds of active ingredients, with flavonoids, polysaccharides, phenylethanoid glycosides, terpenoids, and sterols being the principal components. These constituents contribute to the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer by inducing apoptosis in tumor cells, arresting the cell cycle, inhibiting tumor proliferation and metastasis.
Notably, wogonin has recently earned approval from the State Drug Administration of China as a promising candidate for anticancer therapy.
Previous studies have revealed the therapeutic effects of baicalin on atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertension, and heart failure through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid metabolism mechanisms. Baicalin also exerted angiogenesis and cardioprotective effects against chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension and acute myocardial infarction in vivo, through mediation of MAPK cascades, the ERRα (estrogen-related receptor α) pathway, and the PI3K/AKT signaling.
S. baicalensis has an antidepressant-like effect in behavioral models in mice and rats. The antidepressant activity of baicalin may be related to inhibition of MAO-A (monoamine oxidase) and B in rat brain. Baicalin, a bioactive flavonoid from Scutellaria baicalensis, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties and has recently gained attention for its potential to improve cognitive deficits and mood disorders.
Preclinical evidence is robust. Activity-guided HPLC-fractionation of S. baicalensis root extract (SBE) identified that a wogonin-containing fraction was the most potent fraction based on its ability to inhibit ROS production and the suppression of catabolic markers including IL-6, COX-2, iNOS, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13 and ADAMTS-4 in IL-1β-treated osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes treated with this fraction in the presence of IL-1β showed significantly enhanced expression of anabolic genes ACAN and COL2A1, and treatment inhibited sulfated glycosaminoglycan release from IL-1β-treated human cartilage explants.
Human clinical evidence is limited and derives primarily from studies of combination formulas. An herbal supplement containing S. baicalensis reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis. However, it is not known if the herb would exert similar effects by itself, and cases of hepatotoxicity with some supplements have been reported. Overall, this area requires larger, better-controlled human trials to establish efficacy as a standalone intervention.
Preclinical evidence: Amongst 46 herb and spice extracts, S. baicalensis extracts have shown substantial antibacterial effects against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella anatum and Staphylococcus aureus. For antiviral activity, in vitro studies showed potent direct virucidal activity against extracellular infectious dengue virus particles, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 74.33 to 95.83 μg/mL for all DENV serotypes. Weak prophylactic effects with IC₅₀ values ranging from 269.9 to 369.8 μg/mL were noticed when cells were pre-treated 2 hours prior to virus inoculation.
Human/clinical evidence: S. baicalensis was the only herbal medicine to be recommended for the treatment of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in 2012 by the Ministry of Health, China. Although single center articles investigating the efficacy of S. baicalensis have been published in Chinese language journals, a multicenter analysis was conducted comparing the herb with ribavirin for the treatment of HFMD with concomitant encephalitis across five hospitals in China. Clinical data indicate that Huang-Qin alone has been reported to be useful for treating colds and bacterial pneumonia. However, most of the underlying evidence base consists of small studies or retrospective analyses, limiting the conclusions that can be drawn.
Preclinical evidence: S. baicalensis can reduce serum aminotransferase levels and attenuate the degree of hepatocellular injury in hepatitis animal models through anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and antiviral pathways, and can also fight liver fibrosis through reducing extracellular matrix, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and inducing apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells. In a mouse model of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury, baicalin treatment was effective in reducing the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17, and MPO, thereby achieving a protective effect on the liver. Another study demonstrated that baicalein and baicalin alleviated APAP-induced liver injury by activating the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.
Human/clinical evidence: A collaborative study concluded that plant extract containing baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin would be used therapeutically against inflammatory bowel disease and cancer after clinical trials. Scutellaria baicalensis serves as the primary ingredient utilized for addressing liver-related issues such as hepatitis, hepatic fibrosis, and carcinoma. In contemporary clinical research, Scutellaria baicalensis is frequently employed for the treatment of diseases such as liver damage, acute pulmonary infection, gastrointestinal inflammation, and diarrhea in infants. The overall clinical evidence base for hepatoprotection in humans remains limited and, importantly, is complicated by documented case reports of hepatotoxicity (see Safety section).
Preclinical evidence: Preclinical data suggest that compounds in S. baicalensis cause apoptosis in various cancer cells. Baicalein inhibits PANC and HM-SUIT2 cell viability accompanied by downregulation of FGFBP1 gene expression, and suppressed the growth and liver metastasis of HM-SUIT2 in xenograft mice.
Human/clinical evidence: S. baicalensis extracts cause cell death in some cancer cell lines, but human data are lacking. S. baicalensis has not been studied in clinical trials as a single agent, but has been studied in combination with other herbs in formulations such as PC-SPES and sho-saiko-to. One notable combination formula, PHY906, incorporates S. baicalensis as a key ingredient. An open-label clinical trial collecting patients from five medical centers assessed that a combination of 600, 800, and 1000 mg twice daily of PHY906 and capecitabine for the treatment of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (related to chemotherapeutic toxicities) was safe and effective. However, both S. baicalensis root and its main flavonoid baicalin appear to have dose-dependent pro- and anti-angiogenic effects, underscoring the need for caution in interpreting the cancer research data. The body of human evidence in oncology remains preliminary.
Preclinical evidence: Flavonoids from S. baicalensis may have pharmacologically and clinically important activities including anxiolysis, anti-convulsion, muscle-relaxation, and sedative effects because they bind to benzodiazepine or GABA receptors. Behavioral studies have demonstrated that Scutellaria flavonoids exert potent anxiolysis in mice without sedation and myorelaxation. Neuroprotective effects of flavonoids were ameliorated by diazepam, a GABA receptor agonist, suggesting that the components influence GABA receptor activity.
In addition, preparations of S. baicalensis can also work as antioxidants, ROS scavengers, and anticonvulsants. Recently, the neuroprotective effects of S. baicalensis and its component flavones have been studied using both in vitro and in vivo models of neurodegenerative diseases. Scutellaria baicalensis has shown promising results in reducing oxidative stress and demonstrating a neuroprotective effect on Parkinson's disease (PD) animal models. However, the exact mechanism by which S. baicalensis treats PD is not yet fully understood.
Human/clinical evidence: Direct clinical trials in human neurological disorders are lacking. Bioactive ingredients which are found within herbal compounds are reported to produce both neuroprotective and psychotropic activities which may help to combat mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and cognitive alterations. S. baicalensis appears effective in mitigating anxiety or depression with favourable risk-benefit profiles. However, this conclusion is drawn primarily from animal and mechanistic studies, not from controlled human trials. The evidence for neurological benefit in humans remains preliminary.
Preclinical evidence: Emerging evidence has established that baicalin improves chronic inflammation, immune imbalance, disturbances in lipid metabolism, apoptosis and oxidative stress, thereby offering beneficial roles against the initiation and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, myocardial infarction and reperfusion, and heart failure.
Human/clinical evidence: Previous studies have summarized the significant clinical potential of baicalin in the treatment of atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury, hypertension, and heart failure through mechanisms including the regulation of lipid metabolism, the reduction of inflammation-induced damage, the inhibition of oxidative stress, the attenuation of apoptosis, and immune modulation. However, the specific signaling pathways involved have not been identified. Controlled human trials in cardiovascular disease are sparse, and the existing evidence remains largely preclinical.
Preclinical evidence: Flavonoids are the main effective components of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. The flavonoids are mainly baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside and wogonin. These four have the effects of improving the renal function, insulin resistance and retinopathy of type 2 diabetic patients in preclinical models.
Human/clinical evidence: A preliminary study of S. baicalensis along with metformin appeared to improve glucose tolerance, inflammation, and gut microbiota in patients with type 2 diabetes. This represents one of the few available direct human studies, and it is described as preliminary, combining the herb with an established pharmaceutical agent rather than testing it as a sole intervention.
Flavonoids, known for their neuroprotective properties, are abundant in Acacia catechu and Scutellaria baicalensis. However, human studies on their combined effects are limited. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial examined cognitive function in healthy adults using a botanical composition composed of extracts from both plants, but the evidence base for cognitive enhancement remains early-stage.
The following dosages reflect those reported in published sources and do not constitute a therapeutic recommendation.
Because there is no universally accepted standard dose or formulation, how one takes Scutellaria baicalensis extract should be deliberate and cautious.
The herbal extract of S. baicalensis was linked with potential hepatotoxicity as reported by clinical case studies. Case reports have documented acute liver injury in patients with arthritis following consumption of a formula containing baicalin derived from S. baicalensis or Chinese skullcap. After taking this supplement, hepatotoxicity has been reported; however, there are no reported cases of hepatotoxicity for glucosamine, chondroitin, or black catechu in previous comparison cases.
The specific ingredient responsible is somewhat unclear, and the injury may have been due to a contaminant or misidentified constituent in the proprietary mixture. Skullcap is indeed well known for being adulterated in over-the-counter supplements.
High-dose toxicity studies found that doses of 4,000 mg/kg led to reversible hepatorenal toxicity and biochemical alterations, highlighting the need to monitor organ function during extended high-dose use.
In healthy volunteers, Chinese skullcap decreased blood levels of drugs used to lower cholesterol (statins). Baicalin has been shown to decrease the level of statins in healthy volunteers. It may be necessary to consider the use of Baikal skullcap in cases where cholesterol management is critical.
Laboratory studies suggest Chinese skullcap has anticoagulant-like effects and therefore may increase bruising and bleeding risks in those taking warfarin or other blood thinners. Clinical relevance has yet to be determined.
S. baicalensis affected the pharmacokinetic profiles of numerous pharmaceutical drugs. Whilst herbal medicine is popular globally, it poses challenges in managing potential drug-herb interaction. There are two folds of the drug-herb interaction: a beneficial interaction that may improve therapeutic outcome and minimise the toxicity of a drug desirably, and a negative interaction that may evoke unwanted clinical consequences, especially with drugs of narrow therapeutic index. Laboratory studies suggest Chinese skullcap may increase the risk of side effects with CYP450 substrate drugs; clinical relevance has yet to be determined.
Quality control of botanical products is often not performed due to lack of standardization, resulting in inconsistent efficacies and sometimes serious toxicity. Herbs bought from unreputable sources may be contaminated, adulterated, or substituted with incorrect plant matter. One particular concern is confusion with Scutellaria lateriflora (American skullcap), a distinct species with a different phytochemical profile.
A HPLC-based quality study confirmed: a high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to analyze the authenticity and chemical composition of 10 different commercial extracts. All extracts contained marker components (baicalein and/or baicalin), confirming their authenticity, though variability in content levels was noted.
Whereas TCM tradition historically associated this herb with "calming the fetus" and pregnancy support, Scutellariae radix has a long history of ethnic medicinal use, traditionally recognized for its efficacy in clearing heat, drying dampness, eliminating fire, removing toxins, stopping bleeding, and tranquilizing the fetus to prevent miscarriage. No controlled human studies have validated safety or efficacy in pregnancy; available data are traditional in nature only.
Most studies have been done in the lab rather than in humans, and suggest anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. S. baicalensis possesses anti-tumor, anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective activities. Chemical compounds responsible for many of these activities are still unknown, though the bioactivities of a few major compounds—baicalin, baicalein, wogonoside, and wogonin—have been extensively studied.
Determination of safe therapeutic doses of natural low-molecular-weight polyphenols, including baicalein, may be effective in the treatment of oxidative-stress-related disorders. The next steps of the research should focus on providing evidence that baicalein has no side effects and on the determination of effective physiological concentrations based on detailed preclinical studies, followed by clinical trials in humans.
Larger studies in humans that test safety and effectiveness are needed to determine under what circumstances S. baicalensis may be beneficial. In particular, the species S. baicalensis and the main compounds baicalein, baicalin and wogonin are involved in clinical trials, which point the way for further studies on anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and other effects of Scutellaria.
Health conditions that Baikal skullcap may help support.
Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) root contains baicalin and baicalein, flavonoids that inhibit NF-κB and STAT6 signaling and reduce leukotriene synthesis, addressing multiple inflammatory pathways in asthma. A PMC herbal asthma review confirmed baicalin/baicalein from Scutellaria baicalensis as mechanistically relevant NF-κB and MAPK inhibitors.
Baikal skullcap and its primary flavonoids baicalin and baicalein demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory activity across multiple in vitro and animal models, operating through inhibition of NF-κB, MAPK, JAK-STAT, and Nrf2 pathways. These compounds suppress pro-inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Preclinical evidence is extensive, though large-scale human RCTs targeting chronic inflammation as a primary endpoint are limited.
Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in TCM, traditionally used for 'heat-clearing' and febrile conditions. Its primary active compound, baicalin, has demonstrated significant antipyretic activity in animal models by reducing pyrogenic cytokines and inhibiting NF-κB signaling.
Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a cornerstone TCM herb for lung heat and respiratory inflammation, containing baicalin and baicalein. Clinical studies of SCB-containing formulas show efficacy in asthma and respiratory infections; its flavones are among the most studied natural respiratory anti-inflammatories.
Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) and its flavonoid baicalein demonstrated in vitro anti-borrelia activity against multiple morphological forms of B. burgdorferi and B. garinii, including biofilm. It was among the 7 most active botanicals in the 2020 Johns Hopkins in vitro study. Active constituents baicalin and baicalein also have documented neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects relevant to neurological Lyme. Employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2,000 years.
Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is the source of baicalin and baicalein, with antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and documented use in post-viral anti-inflammatory clinical protocols. A post-COVID physician recovery protocol (Holistic Primary Care, 2023) includes Scutellaria baicalensis (Skullcap) as part of the ITIS anti-inflammatory herbal complex for 90-day post-COVID management.
Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) root is a primary Traditional Chinese Medicine herb for febrile viral infections containing baicalein and baicalin as key antiviral compounds. Multiple in vitro studies confirm activity against influenza, SARS-CoV-2, HBV, HCV, and HIV. TCM use for viral respiratory infections spans over 2,000 years.
Baikal skullcap has a long history of use in TCM for anxiety, and preclinical evidence shows its active flavonoids baicalin and baicalein interact with the GABAergic system similarly to conventional anxiolytics. Rodent studies demonstrate reduced anxiety-like behaviors. However, direct randomized controlled trials in humans specifically for anxiety as a primary endpoint remain absent.
TCM has long incorporated Baikal skullcap in prescriptions for depression. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 preclinical studies confirmed significant antidepressant effects in animal models, with mechanisms including antioxidant activity, modulation of neurotrophic factors, and anti-inflammatory action. No standalone human RCTs for depression are currently published.
Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis; Huang Qin) is a cornerstone TCM herb for acute URTI with fever and inflammation. Its active compounds (baicalin, baicalein, wogonin) inhibit influenza, RSV, and parainfluenza viruses and suppress pro-inflammatory signaling. It is a key component of Shuanghuanglian used in Chinese hospitals for URTI.
Body systems that Baikal skullcap may help support.
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