scutellaria oil

Scutellaria oil (黄芩油) is the essential oil extracted from the roots or aerial parts of Scutellaria baicalensis, commonly known as Chinese skullcap. This plant is a staple in traditional Chinese medicine and is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties[5][7]. The essential oil contains a variety of bioactive compounds—primarily flavonoids such as baicalin, wogonin, and baicalein—as well as sesquiterpenes like caryophyllene oxide and β-caryophyllene[6]. These constituents are believed to contribute to its pharmacological effects. Mechanistically, scutellaria oil exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by modulating inflammatory pathways; it also demonstrates anticancer potential in preclinical studies by inhibiting tumor growth and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells[1][5]. Additional reported activities include neuroprotection (potential benefit for neurodegenerative diseases), hepatoprotection (liver protection), antihypertensive effects (lowering blood pressure), antimicrobial action against various pathogens including bacteria and viruses[8], and possible modulation of immune responses. While widely used in herbal medicine for conditions such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., diarrhea), skin infections, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety disorders[4][5], scientific validation remains limited with most evidence coming from laboratory or animal studies rather than large-scale clinical trials.

Other names

黄芩油Scutellaria baicalensis essential oilskullcap oilChinese skullcap oil