Herbs and plantsBaikal skullcap — Chinese panacea or overrated herb?
- Henryk Różański — Tarczyca bajkalska – Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi – panaceum na wszystko, czy przeciętne zioło
- Henryk Różański — Tarczyca – Scutellaria
- Henryk Różański — Galeobdolon luteum Hudson – gajowiec żółty w praktycznej fitoterapii.
- Evidence and possible mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis and its bioactive compounds for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment. · Ann Med 2023
- Scutellaria baicalensis Extracts Restrict Intestinal Epithelial Cell Ferroptosis by Regulating Lipid Peroxidation and GPX4/ACSL4 in Colitis. · Phytomedicine 2025
- Multi-omics and experimental analysis unveil the key components in Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi to alleviate hepatic fibrosis via regulating cPLA2-mediated arachidonic acid metabolism. · J Transl Med 2024
- Inhibition of intestinal inflammation and fibrosis by Scutellaria Baicalensis georgi and Boswellia serrata in human epithelial cells and fibroblasts. · Immun Inflamm Dis 2024
- Effects and mechanisms of engineered exosomes pretreated with Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on osteoporosis. · PLoS One 2025
- Immunosuppressant flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis. · Biomed Pharmacother 2021
- Anti-inflammatory action of herbal medicine comprised of Scutellaria baicalensis and Chrysanthemum morifolium. · Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2020
- A systematic review of herbal medicines for the treatment of cancer cachexia in animal models. · J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2019
- Protective effects of three herbal extracts on mitochondrial dysfunction in VPS13C-knockdown SH-SY5Y cells: implications for Parkinson's disease. · Aging (Albany NY) 2026
- Cross‑kingdom antiviral action of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Chrysanthemum indicum L. miRNAs: A novel strategy against duck viral hepatitis. · Poult Sci 2026
Henryk Różański describes Baikal skullcap as an herb credited with effects on many illnesses—from infections to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
- In China, it was used for allergies, chronic inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, arthritis, and stress-related conditions.
- Różański also lists the effects attributed to it: fighting microbes, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, and possibly affecting memory.
- He notes that laboratory findings and the presence of plant compounds do not, by themselves, prove that a treatment works in practice.
What the authors write
Baikal skullcap was credited with effects on many different illnesses, from infections to diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
The presence of plant compounds and laboratory findings alone does not prove that a treatment works in practice.
Henryk Różański links the publicity surrounding Baikal skullcap to pharmaceutical research and the popularity of Chinese herbs.
In China, Baikal skullcap was used for allergies, chronic inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes, arthritis, and stress-related conditions.
Henryk Różański attributes antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral effects to Baikal skullcap, and reports that its extracts inhibited the growth of several bacteria in in vitro studies.
Henryk Różański attributes to Baikal skullcap the ability to lower cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce blood clotting.
Henryk Różański links the baicalin in skullcaps to inhibition of the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine and a possible improvement in memory.
Henryk Różański notes that similar compounds are also found in common skullcap, not just Baikal skullcap.
Henryk Różański attributes to baicalein the ability to inhibit the growth of some fungi, bacteria, and influenza viruses.
The root of Baikal skullcap is used as a raw material. Among its constituents, Henryk Różański lists flavonoids and phytosterols, among others.
Henryk Różański says Baikal skullcap extract is used in the cosmetics and skin-care products he lists, as well as in products for wound healing.
Henryk Różański gives dosage and preparation instructions for skullcap infusions, decoctions, tinctures, and oil, without specifying that they apply only to the Baikal species.
Henryk Różański writes that the effects of Baikal skullcap may be enhanced and complemented by yellow archangel in treating some illnesses, including allergies.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 10 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 1 194.
A meta-analysis found that Baikal skullcap preparations used with TACE or standard treatment increased the objective tumor response rate in liver cancer.
Aim of the study: Traditional Chinese medicines have been reported to have outstanding effects in treating hepatocellular carcinoma. Scutellaria baicalensis (S. baicalensis) has demonstrated anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Baicalein, wogonin, and baicalin are the main pharmacologically bioactive compounds of S. baicalensis.
Results: Seven clinical and 17 preclinical in vivo studies, along with 31 in vitro studies, were included in this research. Meta-analysis showed that a Chinese herbal medicine preparation with S. baicalensis as the main herb, combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or primary treatment, could significantly improve the objective tumor response rate (risk ratio (RR) = 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.30, 1.90], p < 0.00001). Scutellaria baicalensis-based extracts (standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.86, 95% CI: [-1.20, -0.53], p < 0.00001), baicalein (SMD = -4.80, 95% CI: [-6.66, -2.95], p < 0.00001), baicalin (SMD = -2.28, 95% CI: [-3.26, -1.30], p < 0.00001), and wogonin (SMD = -1.41, 95% CI: [-2.26, -0.57], p < 0.00001) slowed tumor growth in vivo. These outcomes might be linked to the way S. baicalensis promotes apoptosis, induces autophagy, and blocks the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05).
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a mouse model of colitis, Baikal skullcap extract alleviated disease symptoms.
Aim of the study: Ferroptosis in colonic epithelial cells has been implicated in the development of ulcerative colitis (UC) and the accompanying gut leakage. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Scu) is a widely used herbal medicine for alleviating UC. We aimed to clarify the therapeutic effect of Scu on UC by inhibiting intestinal epithelial cell ferroptosis and explore its regulatory mechanisms on lipid peroxidation and the GPX4/ACSL4 pathways.
Results: A total of 78 chemical constituents in Scu were identified, with 42 detected in the colonic tissues of Scu-treated mice. Scu alleviated UC-related symptoms in mice, including increasing colon length and decreasing pathological scores. Furthermore, Scu inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators while improving gut barrier function by increasing ZO-1 and Occludin expression at both mRNA and protein levels. Based on metabolomic studies, a total of 71 differential metabolites showed a reversal trend after Scu administration. These findings, combined with results from network pharmacology, suggest that arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism and ferroptosis may be potential pathways through which Scu acts on UC. Further experiments indicated that Scu’s beneficial effects on ferroptosis partly contributed to its effects on lipid peroxidation and its regulation of the GPX4/ASCL4 axis, helping to alleviate UC.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a mouse model, Baikal skullcap extract reduced liver damage and reversed liver fibrosis.
Aim of the study: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a traditional Chinese herb, is known for its various biological effects, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antitumor properties. However, the function and mechanisms of methanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (MESB) in treating hepatic fibrosis remain unclear.
Results: Treatment with MESB alleviated pathological changes in the liver and reversed hepatic fibrosis in CCl4-induced models, as shown by decreased collagen fiber deposition, reduced expression of the hepatic fibrosis markers COL1A1, FN, and PAI-1, and lower serum levels of AST and ALT. In vitro, MESB inhibited the proliferation of LX-2 cells and the expression of hepatic fibrosis markers. Furthermore, MESB affected various pathways, particularly metabolic pathways. Subsequent metabolomic analysis showed that MESB disrupted glycerophospholipid metabolism and suppressed arachidonic acid metabolism. MESB downregulated cPLA2 expression in LX-2 cells, leading to decreased production of arachidonic acid and its downstream inflammatory mediators. Meanwhile, MESB inhibited cPLA2 expression and its downstream NF-κB pathway in the liver tissues of CCl4-induced models.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In cell studies, extracts of Baikal skullcap and frankincense reduced inflammation and fibrosis markers.
Aim of the study: Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, involves chronic intestinal inflammation and frequent subsequent fibrosis. Current drug treatments may have harmful side effects and are not useful for preventing or resolving fibrosis. Therefore, alternative therapies are emerging as a potentially useful approach.
Results: SBG and BS extracts significantly decreased pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and improved epithelial restitution in HT29 and HIEC6 cells. They also strongly reduced the expression of fibrotic markers, including SNAIL, ACTA2, and ZNF281. Colon myofibroblasts treated with SBG and BS also showed a significant decrease in fibrotic markers. SBG and BS extracts significantly reduce inflammation and impair fibrosis in intestinal epithelial cells and colon myofibroblasts. No cooperative effect was observed.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a mouse study, cell vesicles prepared with the help of Baikal skullcap supported bone formation and bone regeneration.
Aim of the study: Osteoporosis (OP) is a common systemic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mineral density and degeneration of the microstructure of bone tissue. Current treatment strategies for OP face limitations, including suboptimal efficacy and substantial adverse effects.
Results: Our findings demonstrate that SBG changes the composition of BMSC-derived exosomes in a way that enhances bone formation. Furthermore, exosomes isolated from SBG-pretreated BMSCs (called S-EXOs@BMSC) enhance osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts, a process mediated by increased Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) expression. The effectiveness of S-EXOs@BMSC in promoting bone regeneration was confirmed in a mouse model of osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy (OVX). These results improve our understanding of how traditional Chinese medicine contributes to OP treatment and highlight the potential of exosomes from BMSCs grown under SBG conditions as a new treatment strategy for OP.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Some flavonoids from Baikal skullcap root inhibited T-cell proliferation under laboratory conditions.
Aim of the study: Some plants used in Traditional Chinese Medicine are used to treat conditions where suppression of the cellular immune response is desired. However, the compounds responsible for the immunosuppressive effects of these plants are not necessarily known.
Results: All flavonoids had an unusual substitution pattern on the B-ring, with no substituents at C-3 and C-4. Compounds 11, 13, 14, and 16 inhibited T-cell proliferation (IC50 values of 12.1–39 μM) at non-cytotoxic concentrations. The findings may support the use of S. baicalensis in disorders where modulation of the cellular immune response is desirable.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A mixture of Baikal skullcap and chrysanthemum reduced selected inflammation markers in the cells studied.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review of animal studies classified Baikal skullcap among the herbs that alleviated symptoms of cancer cachexia.
Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to summarize preclinical studies on herbal medicines used to treat cancer cachexia and its underlying mechanisms.
Results: A total of fourteen herbal medicines and their compounds were identified, including Coptidis Rhizoma, berberine, Bing De Ling, curcumin, Qing-Shu-Yi-Qi-Tang, Scutellaria baicalensis, Hochuekkito, Rikkunshito, hesperidin, atractylodin, Sipjeondaebo-tang, Sosiho-tang, Anemarrhena Rhizoma, and Phellodendri Cortex. All the herbal medicines except curcumin have been shown to alleviate the symptoms of cancer cachexia through anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of the neuroendocrine pathway, and modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system or protein synthesis. This study showed that herbal medicines might be a useful approach for treating cancer cachexia. However, more detailed experimental studies on the molecular mechanisms and active compounds are needed.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a cell study, Baikal skullcap extract improved measures of mitochondrial function and reduced mitochondrial damage.
Aim of the study: Parkinson’s disease (PD) results primarily from the loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to PD pathogenesis, and depletion of vacuolar protein sorting 13 homolog C (VPS13C) leads to mitochondrial dysfunction.
Results: Treatment of cells with these extracts increased cell viability and MMP, and reduced mitochondrial superoxide. In differentiated SH-SY5Y cells with VPS13C knockdown, these extracts reduced lactate dehydrogenase release, caspase-3 activity, and reactive oxygen species production, and promoted neurite outgrowth. The extracts increased expression of VPS13C, superoxide dismutase (SOD) 1 and 2, nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF2), PPARG coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) in these cells, alongside increases in MMP and mitochondrial mass and a reduction in mitochondrial superoxide. In conclusion, treatment with these three TCM compounds reduced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in VPS13C-knockdown cells, making them potential drug candidates for PD.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
MicroRNA from Baikal skullcap reduced duck hepatitis virus replication, and its administration was associated with improved survival in infected ducklings.
Aim of the study: Duck viral hepatitis (DVH) requires new treatment strategies. This study investigated antiviral miRNAs in separate decoctions of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Chrysanthemum indicum L.
Results: Oral administration improved survival rates in infected ducklings, lowered serum liver enzyme levels, and alleviated liver damage. Specifically, novel-miR2 mainly reduced apoptosis, while novel-miR10 alleviated inflammation. Overall, novel-miR2 and novel-miR10 suppressed DHAV-1-induced hepatitis and had liver-protective effects. These findings provide new evidence for clarifying the active constituents of herbal decoctions and their miRNA-mediated cross-kingdom antiviral mechanism.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
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