Baikal Skullcap Interactions Overview

Additional Information

Is Baikal Skullcap Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Baikal skullcap, a herb native to China and Korea, is generally considered safe for short-term oral use. However, caution is advised due to potential hepatotoxin accumulation, especially in specific products. Notably, the use of Baikal skullcap for COVID-19 lacks evidence and is not recommended. Pregnant and lactating individuals should avoid its use due to insufficient safety information.

How Does Baikal Skullcap Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

The root of Baikal skullcap is the key player, containing flavonoids like baicalin and baicalein. Studies suggest its diverse effects, including anti-allergy properties by inhibiting histamine release, potential anticancer activity, anti-inflammatory effects, antiretroviral actions, and even sedative effects. Baikal skullcap may impact lipid levels, provide neuroprotective effects, and show promise in addressing diabetes and atherosclerosis, though more research is needed for conclusive evidence.

Pharmacokinetics

When taken orally, Baikal skullcap is absorbed and distributed in the body. It primarily excretes its constituents in urine, with a serum half-life of approximately 9-15 hours. Baikal skullcap extracts may vary, showing batch-to-batch differences. Clinical research indicates increased plasma concentration when taken with food.

Interaction Overview

Baikal skullcap may interact with various drugs and supplements, potentially affecting their effectiveness. Caution is advised when combining it with alcohol, anticoagulants, antidiabetes drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and others. Individuals with specific health conditions such as bleeding disorders or hormone-sensitive cancers should also be cautious.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Common side effects of orally administered Baikal skullcap include abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, erythema, nausea, pruritus, and vomiting. Serious adverse effects, though rare, may include hepatotoxicity and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, especially in specific combination products.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Laboratory research highlights variability in Baikal skullcap extracts, indicating that standardization may not be consistent across products. Traditional Chinese medicine sometimes substitutes Baikal skullcap with other Scutellaria species, introducing potential variations in formulations.

What Is Baikal Skullcap Typically Used For?

Baikal skullcap has historical use in treating psychiatric disorders and as an antipyretic. While there is interest in its potential applications for various conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, and anxiety, more robust evidence is needed to establish its efficacy for these purposes.

Drugs that interact with Baikal Skullcap