scutellaria baicalensis

Scutellaria baicalensis is a perennial flowering plant native to East Asia and widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for over 2,000 years. The dried root—known as Huang Qin—is a key ingredient in many TCM formulas for treating conditions such as hepatitis, respiratory infections, inflammation, cancer, liver disease, anxiety, and insomnia[1][5][6][9]. Its pharmacological effects are attributed mainly to its bioactive flavonoids (baicalin, wogonin, and baicalein), which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial/antiviral activity; neuroprotective effects; anticancer properties via apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest; modulation of neurotransmitters; immune enhancement; and potential hepatoprotective actions[1][3][6][7][8]. Mechanistically these compounds act on multiple molecular targets including GABA receptors (modulating CNS activity), solute carrier transporters (affecting drug absorption/metabolism), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), JUN/RELA/AKT1 signaling pathways in cancer cells[1][7]. Modern research supports its multi-targeted action profile but robust clinical evidence remains limited. It is available as herbal teas/extracts/capsules/powders.

Brand names

Huang Qin

Other names

Chinese skullcapScutellaria baicalensis GeorgiHuang-QinBaikal skullcap