Root of a Chinese skullcap species named for Lake Baikal in Siberia, where it grows wild. Called huang qin in traditional Chinese medicine — completely different in use from American skullcap (S. lateriflora) despite the shared common name. Baikal skullcap is one of the fundamental anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial herbs of Chinese medicine, with modern research backing its activity against viral and bacterial infections.

Long traditional Chinese medicine use for respiratory infections, fever, and inflammation
Active against several bacteria and viruses in laboratory studies
Anti-inflammatory action documented in modern research
Antioxidant action from baicalin and baicalein, the main flavonoids
May support liver function in chronic hepatitis
Often combined with other herbs in traditional formulas — rarely used alone
Some interest in supportive cancer care, particularly alongside conventional treatment

Quality matters — baikal skullcap and American skullcap have been confused in commercial supply chains, sometimes leading to misidentification

Mild blood-thinning effect — caution with blood thinners

Use caution with sedative medications

Use caution with immunosuppressants

May lower blood sugar — caution with diabetes medication

Some reports of liver injury — though far rarer than with germander adulteration that affected American skullcap supply

Skip during pregnancy and nursing without provider guidance

Stop two weeks before surgery

Related literature · not reviewed for these claims

These papers were imported by topic. They may concern plants, laboratory work, or different preparations. Inclusion here does not establish a human health benefit or support the claims above. How to read our sources →

Baicalin ameliorates podocyte injury and renal function impairment in idiopathic membranous nephropathy by inhibiting the AGE/RAGE signaling.
Lou C, Zhou Y, Feng B · Renal failure · 2026
Integrated network pharmacology and AlphaFold modeling reveal ESR1 as a key target of Huanglian Jiedu decoction for ameliorating sepsis-induced coagulopathy.
Yiming S, Bing S, Yinghao P · Journal of ethnopharmacology · 2026
Baicalein suppresses colorectal cancer progression through dual inhibition of the Wnt/β--catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
Anlei W, Kaihao W, Yazhao G · Cytotechnology · 2026
Genetically modified Scutellaria Radix alleviates rheumatoid arthritis and is associated with suppression of interleukin 1 beta-related signaling.
Kim JH, Jeong JS, Kim JW · International immunopharmacology · 2026
Yinhuang decoction alleviates RSV-induced viral pneumonia via TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway with colloidal phase as dominant active fractions.
Zheng Y, Cai J, Zhang H · Colloids and surfaces. B, Biointerfaces · 2026

Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro · Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro

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Baikal Skullcap

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