Scutellaria is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It contains about 300 species, which are commonly known as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin word scutella, meaning "a small dish," referring to the shape of the calyx.
The genus is widespread in temperate regions and on tropical mountains.
Most are annual or perennial herbaceous plants from 5 to 100 cm (2.0 to 39 in) tall, but a few are subshrubs; some are aquatic. They have four-angled stems and opposite leaves. The flowers have upper and lower lips. The genus is most easily recognized by the typical shield on the calyx that has also prompted its common name.
Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, Radix of Scutellaria baicalensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine to support the immune system.
Baicalein, a major flavonoid isolated from Scutellaria, was shown to have cardiovascular effects in in vitro. Research also shows that Scutellaria root modulates inflammatory activity in viro to inhibit nitric oxide (NO), cytokine, chemokine and growth factor production in macrophages. Isolated chemical compounds including wogonin, wogonoside, and 3,5,7,2',6'-pentahydroxyl flavanone found in Scutellaria have been shown to inhibit histamine and leukotriene release.
baicalin is a flavone, a type of flavonoid. It is found in several species in the genus Scutellaria, including Scutellaria lateriflora (blue skullcap). There are 10 mg/g baicalin in Scutellaria galericulata (common skullcap) leaves. Baicalin is the glucuronide of baicalein.
It is a component of Chinese medicinal herb Huang-chin (Scutellaria baicalensis) and one of the chemical ingredients of Sho-Saiko-To, an herbal supplement..
Baicalin is a known prolyl endopeptidase inhibitor, induces apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells, and affects the gaba receptors.