Baikal Skullcap
also known as Chinese skullcap, huang qin
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
- Baicalin ameliorates podocyte injury and renal function impairment in idiopathic membranous nephropathy by inhibiting the AGE/RAGE signaling.
- Integrated network pharmacology and AlphaFold modeling reveal ESR1 as a key target of Huanglian Jiedu decoction for ameliorating sepsis-induced coagulopathy.
- Baicalein suppresses colorectal cancer progression through dual inhibition of the Wnt/β--catenin and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways.
Memorial Sloan Kettering About Herbs · EMA Herbal Medicinal Product Monographs · American Botanical Council HerbMedPro