Root of Baikal Skullcap
- Chinese
- 黄芩
- Pinyin
- Huang Qin
- Latin
- Radix Scutellariae
Known in TCM as Huang Qin (黄芩), this bitter, cold herb enters the Lung, Gallbladder, Spleen, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Heart, and Stomach. Traditionally, it clears Heat and dries Dampness, most often applied for fever, diarrhea, and hepatitis. Modern research has identified Baicalein among its active constituents.
Part used: Root
Also Known As
Latin: Radix Scutellariae | Pinyin: Huang Qin | Chinese: 黄芩
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Lung, Gallbladder, Spleen, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Heart, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and dries Dampness
- Purges Fire and resolves toxicity
- Stops bleeding due to Blood Heat
- Calms the fetus
Secondary Actions
- Drains Heat from the upper burner
- Clears Lung Heat and stops cough
Classic Formulas
- Xiao Chai Hu Tang … addresses half-exterior, half-interior conditions with alternating fever and chills
- Huang Qin Tang … treats Heat-driven diarrhea with abdominal pain
Classical References
- Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing): Huang Qin is the principal herb for clearing Heat from the Shaoyang interior
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Baicalein
- Baicalin
- Wogonin
- Wogonoside
- Oroxylin A
Studied Effects
- Baicalein induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting the glutamine-mTOR metabolic pathway (PMID 38432394)
- Baicalein triggers ferroptosis in colorectal cancer cells via JAK2/STAT3/GPX4 axis suppression (PMID 38684798)
- Total flavonoids exhibit cardiovascular protective effects via multiple mechanisms (PMID 36152591)
PubMed References
- Baicalein induces apoptosis by inhibiting the glutamine-mTOR metabolic pathway in lung cancer (2025)
- Baicalein triggers ferroptosis in colorectal cancer cells via blocking the JAK2/STAT3/GPX4 axis (2024)
- Pharmacological properties of total flavonoids in Scutellaria baicalensis for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (2022)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold
- Cold-type diarrhea
- Lung cold with cough
- Blood deficiency conditions
- Kidney Yang deficiency with loose stools
Cautions
- Hepatotoxicity reported in case reports; monitor liver function with prolonged use
- Pneumonitis (lung inflammation) reported rarely
- May elevate triglycerides and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
Drug Interactions
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin) … Baicalin has antithrombotic activity; additive effect may increase bleeding risk (Moderate) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
- Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) … Decreases blood levels of statin drugs, reducing cholesterol-lowering efficacy; documented in healthy volunteers (Moderate) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
- CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 substrates … Wogonin inhibits CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 enzymes; may increase plasma levels and adverse effects of affected drugs (Unknown) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
- SLC transporter substrates … Baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin inhibit SLC uptake transporters; may alter pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs (Unknown) Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Root of Baikal Skullcap used for?
Root of Baikal Skullcap is traditionally used to Clears Heat and dries Dampness, Purges Fire and resolves toxicity, Stops bleeding due to Blood Heat, Calms the fetus. Research has investigated its effects on: Baicalein induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer by inhibiting the glutamine-mTOR metabolic pathway (PMID 38432394); Baicalein triggers ferroptosis in colorectal cancer cells via JAK2/STAT3/GPX4 axis suppression (PMID 38684798).
What are other names for Root of Baikal Skullcap?
Root of Baikal Skullcap is also known as Scutellaria. In TCM: 黄芩 (Huang Qin); Radix Scutellariae.
Is Root of Baikal Skullcap safe during pregnancy?
Root of Baikal Skullcap is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.
What are the contraindications for Root of Baikal Skullcap?
Root of Baikal Skullcap should not be used in: Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold; Cold-type diarrhea; Lung cold with cough; Blood deficiency conditions; Kidney Yang deficiency with loose stools. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Does Root of Baikal Skullcap interact with any medications?
Root of Baikal Skullcap may interact with: Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin) - Baicalin has antithrombotic activity; additive effect may increase bleeding risk - (Moderate severity); Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) - Decreases blood levels of statin drugs, reducing cholesterol-lowering efficacy; documented in healthy volunteers - (Moderate severity); CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 substrates - Wogonin inhibits CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 enzymes; may increase plasma levels and adverse effects of affected drugs - (Unknown severity); SLC transporter substrates - Baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin inhibit SLC uptake transporters; may alter pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs - (Unknown severity). Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.