Scutellaria
Skullcap: a GABAergic herb with mild anxiolytic and sleep-supporting effects.
Pharmacology
Contents
WHAT IS SCUTELLARIA?
Detailed overview
Scutellaria (common name skullcap) is a genus of herbs in the mint family (Lamiaceae); two species dominate the nootropic market: American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis). Its active constituents are flavonoids, chiefly baicalin, baicalein, wogonin and scutellarin, which bind the benzodiazepine and non-benzodiazepine sites of the GABA-A receptor to enhance the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter signaling. The plant also contains its own GABA and shows anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study (PMID 23878109) found measurable mood improvement in healthy volunteers, and a 2025 human RCT (PMID 40362800) reported improved sleep quality. Human evidence remains limited, but several preclinical studies and a few clinical trials support the mild anxiolytic profile.
Mechanism
GABA-A flavonoid modulation + native GABA
Evidence
2 small human RCTs + preclinical
Legal status
Dietary supplement herb
Receptor profile
- GABA-A receptor (benzodiazepine/non-benzodiazepine site)Moderate
- Inflammatory / lipoxygenase pathwaysModerate
- Oxidative stress (antioxidant activity)Moderate
- Serotonin 5-HT7 receptorWeak
Safety
Side effects, stop signs, contraindications
Side effects · 5
- Drowsiness and sedation, especially at higher doses
- Stomach upset or nausea at higher doses
- Additive sedation with alcohol or other sedatives
- Rare liver injury, usually from germander (Teucrium) adulteration rather than skullcap itself
- Dizziness or confusion with overdose (historical reports)
Contraindications · 5
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: safety not established, avoid
- Existing liver disease or use of other hepatotoxic agents
- Concurrent sedatives, benzodiazepines or alcohol due to additive sedation
- Two weeks before surgery: sedative effect may amplify anesthesia
- Only from a reputable, standardized source to avoid germander adulteration
Related Nootropics
Same therapeutic category
Studies
Related research and clinical findings
American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers
Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Chemically Characterized Scutellaria lateriflora L. Extract-Based Food Supplement for Sleep Management: A Single-Center, Controlled, Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Di Lorenzo C, et al.
Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties
Awad R, Arnason JT, Trudeau V, Bergeron C, Budzinski JW, Foster BC, Merali Z
Involvement of GABAergic non-benzodiazepine sites in the anxiolytic-like and sedative effects of the flavonoid baicalein in mice
de Carvalho RS, Duarte FS, de Lima TC
Anxiolytic-like effects of baicalein and baicalin in the Vogel conflict test in mice
Liao JF, Hung WY, Chen CF
Brain Uptake of Bioactive Flavones in Scutellariae Radix and Its Relationship to Anxiolytic Effect in Mice
Gao C, et al.
FAQ
FAQ
Skullcap: a GABAergic herb with mild anxiolytic and sleep-supporting effects.
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Structure & chemistry
The information here is strictly for educational and scientific purposes. It does not replace medical advice or clinical consultation, and it does not encourage illegal substance or pharmaceutical use. Data is sourced. When in doubt, consult your doctor.