Common Skullcap
Scutellaria galericulata
Scutellaria galericulata is a flowering plant species found in various regions. In traditional medicine, it has been used as an anodyne, laxative, nervine, and stomachic, with applications for fever, malaria, epilepsy, spasms, and sores. Scientific studies have identified fourteen diterpenoids within the plant and noted the presence of flavonoids that demonstrate moderate antioxidant activity. There is currently limited clinical data regarding its therapeutic efficacy in humans. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in available literature.
- Traditionally for
- fever · anodyne
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- fever
- anodyne
- laxative
- nervine
- spasms
- stomachic
- ague (malarial fever)
- astringent
- epilepsy
- malaria
- sores
What the science says
- Fourteen diterpenoids were isolated and identified from Scutellaria galericulata for the first time.
- The study found that comparing the plastid rpl16 gene and rpl16-rpl14 spacer region sequences could distinguish among six Scutellaria species, including those used medicinally.
- Sweetea milowensis gen. et sp. nov. represents a rare simple compound leaf from the Middle Mississippian era.
- Scutellaria galericulata from Parvenets was found to contain flavonoids and showed moderate antioxidant activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Skullcap?
Common Skullcap (Scutellaria galericulata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Common Skullcap traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Common Skullcap for: fever, anodyne, laxative, nervine, spasms, stomachic. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Common Skullcap?
Common Skullcap appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Skullcap?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Skullcap; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Fourteen diterpenoids were isolated and identified from Scutellaria galericulata for the first time.
How strong is the evidence for Common Skullcap?
The strongest finding for Common Skullcap carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Skullcap safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Skullcap in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Skullcap interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Skullcap in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Skullcap?
Common Skullcap is also known as: Шлемник обыкновенный, Scutellaire à casque.
Is Common Skullcap a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Sweetea milowensis gen. et sp. nov., a Middle Mississippian (Viséan) pteridosperm preserved in a coastal marsh setting, Hartselle Sandstone, Alabama literature abstract metadata
- T2 The sequences of the plastid gene rpl16 and the rpl16-rpl14 spacer region allow discrimination among six species of Scutellaria. literature abstract metadata
- T2 [neo-Clerodane diterpenoids from Scutellaria galericulata]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Metabolite Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Some Species of Genus Scutellaria Growing in Bulgaria. literature abstract metadata