Background

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a plant native to China and Korea. The root has been used in Chinese medicine for psychiatric disorders.

Baikal skullcap contains chemicals that might decrease swelling and stop tumor growth.

Baikal skullcap is used for respiratory infections, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any uses. There is also no good evidence to support using Baikal skullcap for COVID-19.

Don't confuse Baikal skullcap with skullcap. They are different plants.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Baikal skullcap is possibly safe for most adults when taken for up to 8 weeks. It might cause stomach pain, constipation, vomiting, and stomach upset.

One specific product (Limbrel, Primus Pharmaceuticals) has been linked to serious side effects. It contains a mixture of Baikal skullcap and catechu. There have been multiple reports of liver and lung injury with this product. In 2017, the US FDA recalled this product due to serious safety concerns. It's unclear if these concerns are due to Baikal skullcap, catechu, or the combination.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Baikal skullcap is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Baikal skullcap is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bleeding disorders. Baikal skullcap might slow blood clotting. In theory, Baikal skullcap might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Baikal skullcap might have the same effects as estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by estrogen, don't use Baikal skullcap.

Surgery: Baikal skullcap might slow blood clotting. It might cause extra bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using Baikal skullcap at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Baikal skullcap might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Alcohol can cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Baikal skullcap might also cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Taking large amounts of Baikal skullcap along with alcohol might cause too much sleepiness.

Estrogens

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Baikal skullcap might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking Baikal skullcap along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.

Lithium

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Taking Baikal skullcap might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Baikal skullcap might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Baikal skullcap might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.

Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Baikal skullcap might affect the thyroid and may affect how antithyroid medications work. Do not take Baikal skullcap if you are taking medications for an overactive thyroid.

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Baikal skullcap might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Baikal skullcap along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Baikal skullcap might lower blood pressure. Taking Baikal skullcap along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Monitor your blood pressure closely.

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic anion-transporting polypeptide substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Baikal skullcap might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein substrates)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Baikal skullcap might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Baikal skullcap might slow blood clotting. Taking Baikal skullcap along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Sedative medications (CNS depressants)

Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.

Baikal skullcap might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking Baikal skullcap with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Garlic: Baikal skullcap contains a chemical called baicalin. Garlic might decrease the absorption of baicalin when taken at the same time. Taking garlic with Baikal skullcap might decrease the effects of Baikal skullcap.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood pressure: Baikal skullcap might lower blood pressure. Taking it with other supplements that have the same effect might cause blood pressure to drop too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include andrographis, casein peptides, L-arginine, niacin, and stinging nettle.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Baikal skullcap might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Baikal skullcap might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs and supplements with sedative properties: Baikal skullcap might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking it along with other supplements with similar effects might cause too much sleepiness and/or slowed breathing in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include hops, kava, L-tryptophan, melatonin, and valerian.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.