Skullcap

Overview

Skullcap is an erect, Perennial herb.

Botanical Names

 Scutellaria baikalensis (also known as Scutellaria baicalensis) (Baical Skullcap;  Chinese Skullcap)

 Scutellaria lateriflora (American Skullcap;  Blue Skullcap;  Hoodwort;  Virginian Skullcap)

 Both species of Skullcap belong to the Lamiaceae family.

Part Used

 Whole Plant, especially Dried Root

Cardiovascular System

 Skullcap may help to prevent Atherosclerosis.  ^[1]

 Skullcap may inhibit abnormal Blood Clotting.  ^[2]

 Skullcap may help to lower Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients (due to the Baicalin content of Skullcap promoting vasodilation).  ^[3]

 Skullcap may reduce the Brain damage that occurs following (ischemic) Stroke.  ^[4] 

Immune System

 Skullcap may inhibit the growth of some types of Cancer cells:  ^[5]

 Skullcap may inhibit the growth of Cancer - Cervix cells. 

 Skullcap may stimulate the apoptosis (cell death) of (acute lymphoblastic) Leukemia cells.  ^[6]

 Skullcap may inhibit the growth of Cancer - Liver cells.  ^[7]

 Skullcap may help to prevent Cancer - Prostate.  ^[8]

 Skullcap may inhibit the growth of some types of Sarcomas.

 Skullcap may inhibit some types of Fungi - Detrimental (due to the Baicalein content of Skullcap):  ^[9]

 Skullcap may inhibit Candida albicans.  ^[10]

 Skullcap may inhibit Cryptococcus neoformans.  ^[11]

 Skullcap may inhibit Pityrosporum ovale.

 Skullcap may reduce Inflammation.  ^[12]

 Skullcap may inhibit some types of Viruses:

 Skullcap may inhibit the infectivity and replication of the HIV virus that is implicated in Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (due to the Baicalin and Baicalein content of Skullcap):  ^[13]

 Skullcap may inhibit Integrase (an enzyme that facilitates the replication of HIV).  ^[14]