Root of Baikal Skullcap — Safety & Interactions
Huang Qin · Radix Scutellariae
Use with caution. Practitioner review recommended before use.
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
| Drug Class / Substrate | Mechanism | Severity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anticoagulants and antiplatelets (e.g., warfarin) | Baicalin has antithrombotic activity; additive effect may increase bleeding risk | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) | Decreases blood levels of statin drugs, reducing cholesterol-lowering efficacy; documented in healthy volunteers | Moderate | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 substrates | Wogonin inhibits CYP1A2 and CYP2C19 enzymes; may increase plasma levels and adverse effects of affected drugs | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
| SLC transporter substrates | Baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin inhibit SLC uptake transporters; may alter pharmacokinetics of co-administered drugs | Unknown | Memorial Sloan Kettering |
Pregnancy
Generally considered safe during pregnancy at normal culinary doses. Consult a practitioner for therapeutic use.
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.