Blue Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora
Scutellaria lateriflora is a perennial herb used within various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied for conditions including hysteria, spasms, convulsions, diarrhea, and as a sedative or nervine. Some scientific evidence suggests that extracts may improve sleep parameters in individuals with mild to moderate insomnia and may enhance mobility in certain models. Additionally, studies have indicated potential benefits for gingival health when used in specific oral formulations. There are no major safety issues or notable drug interactions recorded in the available data. This information is for informational purposes only.
- Traditionally for
- hysteria · afterbirth
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- hysteria
- afterbirth
- astringent
- convulsion
- diarrhea
- heart complaints
- nervine
- rabies
- rickets
- sedative
- spasms
- sudorific
What the science says
- A Scutellaria lateriflora extract-based food supplement showed significant improvement in sleep parameters without adverse effects in individuals with mild to moderate primary insomnia.
- Scutellaria lateriflora ethanol extract improved sleep in older male flies, while both aqueous and ethanol extracts enhanced mobility.
- The study found that using chewing gum containing Scutellaria lateriflora and Cistus × incanus extracts led to significant improvements in gingival health compared to a placebo after 3 months.
- The study reviews baicalein's pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and strategies to enhance its oral bioavailability in Scutellaria lateriflora.
Frequently asked questions
What is Blue Skullcap?
Blue Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Blue Skullcap traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Blue Skullcap for: hysteria, afterbirth, astringent, convulsion, diarrhea, heart complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Blue Skullcap?
Blue Skullcap appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Blue Skullcap?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Blue Skullcap; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: A Scutellaria lateriflora extract-based food supplement showed significant improvement in sleep parameters without adverse effects in individuals with mild to moderate primary insomnia.
How strong is the evidence for Blue Skullcap?
The strongest finding for Blue Skullcap carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Blue Skullcap safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Blue Skullcap in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Blue Skullcap interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Blue Skullcap in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Blue 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 Efficacy and Tolerability of a Scutellaria lateriflora L. and Cistus × incanus L.-Based Chewing Gum on the Symptoms of Gingivitis: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. literature abstract metadata
- T2 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. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Scutellaria lateriflora Extract Supplementation Provides Resilience to Age-Related Phenotypes in Drosophila melanogaster. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and formulation strategies for enhanced bioavailability of baicalein: an update. literature abstract metadata