Baical Skullcap Root — Safety & Interactions
Huang Qin · Radix Scutellariae
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
Contraindications
- Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold with loose stools or poor appetite
- Cold-pattern diarrhea without Heat or Damp-Heat signs
- Restless fetus due to cold rather than Heat
Cautions
- Because of its bitter-cold drying nature, prolonged or excessive use may injure the Middle Burner and worsen digestive weakness
- Case reports and formula-associated reports of liver injury have been published for preparations containing baicalin or Chinese skullcap; use cautiously in patients with active liver disease
Drug Interactions
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and other blood thinners | Lab studies suggest Chinese skullcap has similar effects and may increase bruising and bleeding risk | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Scutellaria baicalensis |
| Statins | In healthy volunteers, Chinese skullcap decreased blood levels of drugs used to lower cholesterol | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Scutellaria baicalensis |
| CYP1A2, CYP2C19, and other CYP450 substrate drugs | In vitro data suggest wogonin inhibits CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 and may increase the risk of side effects with affected drugs | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Scutellaria baicalensis |
| SLC transporter substrate drugs | Baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin inhibited solute carrier transporters in vitro and may alter the cellular uptake of co-administered drugs | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering Integrative Medicine - Scutellaria baicalensis |
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal medicines, especially if you take prescription medications.