Herb & supplement monograph

Baikal Skullcap Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Baikal Skullcap interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Baikal Skullcap is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Baikal Skullcap is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Baikal Skullcap Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Baikal Skullcap drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and nearly all rest on lab or animal research rather than proven effects in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The combination we watch most closely is Baikal skullcap with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, because a small human study found a skullcap-containing product reduced platelet clumping, which could add to bleeding risk. Human pharmacokinetic research also shows a skullcap constituent can lower blood levels of rosuvastatin, so the statin may not work as well. With lithium, a narrow-margin medicine, the herb's possible diuretic effect could raise lithium levels, though this is theoretical.

What the rest of the list means

Baikal skullcap's long interaction list mostly reflects predictions about how the herb might affect enzymes and transporters the body uses to clear many medications, not harm seen in people. In fact, some predicted effects have not held up in human studies, including added sedation and a stronger blood-sugar-lowering effect with diabetes medicines.

Check your medications against Baikal Skullcap

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Baikal Skullcap interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Baikal Skullcap

948 medications have a known interaction with Baikal Skullcap, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Baikal Skullcap using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Baikal Skullcap interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Baikal Skullcap combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Baikal Skullcap affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Baikal Skullcap is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 12 drug categories Baikal Skullcap interacts with

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet DrugsAntidiabetes DrugsAntihypertensive DrugsAntithyroid DrugsCytochrome P450 1a2 (cyp1a2) SubstratesCytochrome P450 2c19 (cyp2c19) SubstratesEstrogensLithiumAlcohol (ethanol)Cns DepressantsOrganic Anion-transporting Polypeptide Substrates (oatp)P-glycoprotein Substrates

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase the risk of bleeding when used concomitantly with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs.
Preliminary clinical research suggests that taking capsules containing a combination of astragalus, goldthread, and Baikal skullcap daily for 4 weeks inhibits platelet aggregation; the effect seems to be similar to that of aspirin 50 mg daily. It is unclear if this effect is due to Baikal skullcap, other ingredients, or the combination.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antidiabetes drugs might enhance blood glucose lowering effects.
Baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, has alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Animal research also suggests that Baikal skullcap enhances the antidiabetic effects of metformin. However, in a small human study, taking Baikal skullcap extract did not enhance the antidiabetic effects of metformin, although it did modestly lower glucose levels during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Until more is known, use cautiously.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap with antihypertensive drugs might have additive effects and increase the risk of hypotension.
Animal research suggests that baicalein, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, might lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Antithyroid Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use of Baikal skullcap and antithyroid drugs may result in additive activity and increase the risk of hypothyroidism.
In an animal hyperthyroid model, Baikal skullcap improved levels of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The clinical significance of this effect is unclear.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap may increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 enzymes.
In vitro evidence suggests that constituents of Baikal skullcap inhibit the activity of CYP1A2. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Cytochrome P450 2C19 (Cyp2C19) Substrates

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 enzymes.
In vitro evidence suggest that wogonin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, modestly inhibits the activity of CYP2C19 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Estrogens

Theoretically, concomitant use of large amounts of Baikal skullcap might interfere with hormone replacement therapy, due to competition for estrogen receptors.
In vitro evidence suggests that Baikal skullcap has estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Lithium

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might reduce lithium excretion and increase serum levels of lithium.
Baikal skullcap is thought to have diuretic properties, which may reduce lithium excretion. The dose of lithium might need to be decreased.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Alcohol (Ethanol)

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol.
In vitro and animal research suggests that Baikal skullcap binds to GABA-A receptors and causes sedation. Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol. Preliminary clinical research has not identified clinically relevant sedation after use of Baikal skullcap; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects when used concomitantly with drugs with sedative properties.
In vitro and animal research suggests that Baikal skullcap binds to GABA-A receptors and causes sedation. Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might cause additive therapeutic and adverse effects when used concomitantly with drugs with sedative properties. Preliminary clinical research has not identified clinically relevant sedation after use of Baikal skullcap; however, a thorough evaluation of safety outcomes has not been conducted.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D

Organic Anion-Transporting Polypeptide Substrates (Oatp)

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might alter the levels and clinical effects of OATP substrates.
Some pharmacokinetic research shows that baicalin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, can decrease plasma levels of rosuvastatin. The mechanism is thought to involve stimulation of the activity of the organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), which transports rosuvastatin into the liver. This decreases plasma levels of the drug, but increases levels at the site of action in the liver. The degree to which rosuvastatin levels are affected depends on the OATP1B1 haplotype of the individual. Baikal skullcap might also affect other OATP1B1 substrates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B

P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, Baikal skullcap might increase levels of drugs transported by P-glycoprotein.
In vitro and animal research suggests that baicalein, oroxylin A, and wogonin, constituents of Baikal skullcap, can inhibit P-glycoprotein. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Baikal Skullcap: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Baikal skullcap is a traditional Chinese herb (Huang Qin) used for inflammation, allergies, and infections, with active compounds like baicalin and baicalein studied mostly in the lab. Human evidence remains limited, so it should not replace proven treatments. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor before using it, and avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Scientific name: Scutellaria baicalensis
Family: Lamiaceae
Part used: Root
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, tinctures, dried root, teas, and standardized extracts

People commonly use it for

Inflammation
Allergies
Anxiety and sleep
Immune support
Respiratory infections

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Often used in traditional medicine, but human safety data are limited and quality of products varies.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a perennial herb in the mint family. It is native to eastern Asia, including parts of China, Russia, Korea, and Mongolia. The plant is named for its small, helmet-shaped flowers.

The dried root is the part most often used. In traditional Chinese medicine it is called Huang Qin and has a long history of use, often combined with other herbs. Today it is sold as capsules, tablets, tinctures, and teas. Many supplements are standardized for compounds called baicalin and baicalein.

People take Baikal skullcap for many reasons, including inflammation, allergies, anxiety, sleep, and immune support. It is important to know that traditional use does not prove that an herb works.

How it works

The root contains plant compounds called flavonoids, most notably baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin. In laboratory studies, these compounds appear to have antioxidant effects and may reduce certain signals involved in inflammation.

Researchers have also looked at whether these compounds affect viruses, bacteria, and the immune system, and whether they may calm activity in the brain that is linked to anxiety. Some lab studies have explored effects on cancer cells.

It is important to remember that most of this work comes from test tube and animal research. Effects seen in a lab do not always happen the same way in the human body.

Effectiveness

Does Baikal Skullcap work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 19 uses evaluated

19 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Baikal Skullcap, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 19 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)