SKULLCAP: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora ) is a plant native to the US and Europe. Chemicals in skullcap might cause sleepiness.

People use skullcap for anxiety, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse skullcap with Baikal Skullcap. They aren't the same plant.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for SKULLCAP overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if skullcap is safe. It might cause side effects such as decline in memory or thinking skills, stomach pain, and sleepiness.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if skullcap is safe. It might cause side effects such as decline in memory or thinking skills, stomach pain, and sleepiness.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if skullcap is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Skullcap might slow down the central nervous system. Anesthesia and other medications used during surgery also have this effect. Stop taking skullcap at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with SKULLCAP
Skullcap might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking skullcap with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of skullcap might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

Baczek, K. Accumulation of biologically active compounds in Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus/Rupr. et Maxim./Maxim.) grown in Poland. Herba Polonica 2009;55:7-13.

Baczek, K. Accumulation of biologically active compounds in Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus/Rupr. et Maxim./Maxim.) grown in Poland. Herba Polonica Poznan´: Instytut Ro?lin i Przetworów Zielarskich 2009;55(1):7-13.

Barkan, A. I., Gaiduchenia, L. I., and Makarenko, IuA. [Effect of Eleutherococcus on respiratory viral infectious morbidity in children in organized collectives]. Pediatriia. 1980;(4):65-66. View abstract.

Bazaz'ian, G. G., Liapina, L. A., Pastorova, V. E., and Zvereva, E. G. [Effect of Eleutherococcus on the functional status of the anticoagulation system in older animals]. Fiziol.Zh.SSSR Im I.M.Sechenova 1987;73(10):1390-1395. View abstract.

Ben Hur, E. and Fulder, S. Effect of Panax ginseng saponins and Eleutherococcus senticosus on survival of cultured mammalian cells after ionizing radiation. Am.J Chin Med 1981;9(1):48-56. View abstract.

Awad, R., Arnason, J. T., Trudeau, V., Bergeron, C., Budzinski, J. W., Foster, B. C., and Merali, Z. Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties. Phytomedicine. 2003;10(8):640-649. View abstract.

Li, J., Ding, Y., Li, X. C., Ferreira, D., Khan, S., Smillie, T., and Khan, I. A. Scuteflorins A and B, dihydropyranocoumarins from Scutellaria lateriflora. J Nat.Prod. 2009;72(6):983-987. View abstract.

Sarris, J., Panossian, A., Schweitzer, I., Stough, C., and Scholey, A. Herbal medicine for depression, anxiety and insomnia: a review of psychopharmacology and clinical evidence. Eur.Neuropsychopharmacol. 2011;21(12):841-860. View abstract.

Brock C, Whitehouse J, Tewfik I, Towell T. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): a randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study of its effects on mood in healthy volunteers. Phytother Res 2014;28(5):692-8. View abstract.

Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.

Gafner S, Bergeron C, Batcha LL, et al. Inhibitor of [3H]-LSD binding to 5-HT7 receptors by flavonoids from Scutellaria lateriflora. J Nat Prod 2003;66:535-7. View abstract.

Wolfson P, Hoffmann DL. An investigation into the efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in healthy volunteers. Altern Ther Health Med 2003;9:74-8. View abstract.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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