Baikal skullcap

Baikal skullcap/Drug Interactions:

  • 5-Fluorouracil5-Fluorouracil: According to an animal study, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract may ameliorate 5-fluorouracil-induced myelotoxicity (bone marrow suppression) (35).
  • Alzheimer's agentsAlzheimer's agents: In vitro, baicalin prevented the production of hydrogen peroxide and oxidative stress induced by Abeta aggregation in SH-SY5Y cells (10). Also, H2O2 production decreased.
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal research, Scutellaria baicalensis exhibited antinociceptive (reduced pain) effects (however, at levels lower than were observed for Curcuma wenyujin) (70).
  • AntiasthmaticsAntiasthmatics: Baicalin from Baikal skullcap inhibited histamine and leukotriene release from mast cells in vitro (9; 33).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: In laboratory studies, crude extract of Scutellaria baicalensis demonstrated antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) (52). Its constituent, baicalein, has also demonstrated antibacterial activity (96). A combination of Galla chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and rhizoma Coptidis may exert antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro (64).
  • Anticoagulants/antiplateletsAnticoagulants/antiplatelets: In human research, Sanhuang mixture (Astragalus membranaceus, Coptis chinensis, and Scutellaria baicalensis) inhibited platelet aggregation (71).
  • AntidiabeticsAntidiabetics: In animal research, the constituent baicalein inhibited alpha-glucosidase activity (48). Other animal research found that baicalin reduced elevated insulin concentrations following a high-fat diet (49). Scutellaria baicalensis was also found to enhance the antidiabetic activity of metformin in rats, as evidenced by elevated hepatic activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); increases in plasma and pancreatic insulin levels; and decreases in plasma and hepatic triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol levels (97).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In a laboratory research, Baikal skullcap demonstrated possible anti-Candida properties (36; 18).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: Baicalin from Baikal skullcap inhibited histamine and leukotriene release from mast cells in vitro (9; 33).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: According to a review, Scutellaria constituents may have hypotensive effects (28).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (9; 70; 81; 82; 83).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: According to pharmacokinetic research, baicalin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, can decrease plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin, likely by stimulation of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) activity, which transports rosuvastatin into the liver (80). In animal research, Scutellaria baicalensis and its constituent baicalin significantly modified cholesterol levels, as evidenced by reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apo B concentrations, and free fatty acid concentrations. It also increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apo AI levels (61; 49).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: According to numerous in vitro and animal studies, Scutellaria baicalensis may have anticancer properties (4; 5; 6; 7). Increased effects of constituents have been shown with other chemotherapeutic agents in vitro (39; 40; 41; 42; 43). According to a review, there is the potential for decreased toxicity to the chemotherapeutic agent when used in combination (44). According to an animal study, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract may ameliorate 5-fluorouracil- and cyclophosphamide-induced myelotoxicity (bone marrow suppression) (35). In vitro, extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis combined with cisplatin enhanced the apoptotic effect on human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV-3 and reduced the toxicity of cisplatin (45).
  • Antiobesity agentsAntiobesity agents: In animal research, baicalin reduced weight gain and increased visceral fat mass following a high-fat diet (49).
  • AntiretroviralsAntiretrovirals: In vitro, Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited (at 200mcg/mL) human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease (HIV-1 PR) (54). In vitro, the enzymatic activity of purified recombinant HIV-1/RT was inhibited by baicalin, as was the activity in infected cells (55).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have antiviral activity via immunomodulatory activity (9; 32).
  • CisplatinCisplatin: In vitro, extracts from Scutellaria baicalensis combined with cisplatin enhanced the apoptotic effect on human ovarian carcinoma cell line SKOV-3 and reduced the toxicity of cisplatin (45).
  • CNS depressantsCNS depressants: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have sedative activity (9). Baicalin administration decreased slow-wave sleep (SWS) during the first two hours of the light period without affecting rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), an effect possibly mediated via antagonism of the IL-1 receptor (74).
  • CyclophosphamideCyclophosphamide: According to animal research, Baikal skullcap extract may potentiate the antimetastatic effect of cyclophosphamide (5; 98). In another animal study, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extract ameliorated cyclophosphamide-induced myelotoxicity (35).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized agentsCytochrome P450-metabolized agents: In laboratory research, the wogonin constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis was found to inhibit cytochrome P4501A2 and 2C19, which may affect the concentrations of drugs metabolized by these enzymes (84).
  • Drugs used for osteoporosisDrugs used for osteoporosis: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extracts inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in mouse monocyte RAW264.7 cells (69).
  • EstrogensEstrogens: In vitroScutellaria baicalensis ethanolic extract had estrogenic effects (50).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: According to a review and laboratory studies, Baikal skullcap and its constituents may have immunomodulatory effects, based on the modulating effects of cytokines (interleukins and interferons), eicosanoids, nitric oxide, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, and MIP-1beta mRNA and protein (9; 70; 81; 82; 83).
  • MetforminMetformin: In streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats, Scutellaria baicalensis enhanced the activity of metformin, as evidenced by elevated hepatic activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); increases in plasma and pancreatic insulin levels; and decreases in plasma and hepatic triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol levels (97).
  • P-glycoprotein-regulated agentsP-glycoprotein-regulated agents: Baicalein increased anti-p-glycoprotein activity; substration of the ring altered (increased or decreased) its effects (99). In vitro and in vivo (in animals), oroxylin A inhibited p-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux (43). In vitro, wogonin potentiated the antitumor action of etoposide and ameliorated its adverse effects, likely due to p-glycoprotein inhibition (41; 42).
  • RosuvastatinRosuvastatin: According to pharmacokinetic research, baicalin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, can decrease plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin, likely by stimulation of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) activity, which transports rosuvastatin into the liver (80).

    • Baikal skullcap/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Alzheimer's agentsAlzheimer's agents: In vitro, baicalin prevented the production of hydrogen peroxide and oxidative stress induced by Abeta aggregation in SH-SY5Y cells (10). Also, H2O2 production decreased.
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal research, Scutellaria baicalensis exhibited antinociceptive (reduced pain) effects (however, at levels lower than were observed for Curcuma wenyujin) (70).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: In laboratory studies, crude extract of Scutellaria baicalensis demonstrated antibacterial activity against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) (52). Its constituent, baicalein, has also demonstrated antibacterial activity (96). A combination of Galla chinensis, Scutellaria baicalensis, and rhizoma Coptidis may exert antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in vitro (64).
  • Anticoagulants/antiplateletsAnticoagulants/antiplatelets: In human research, Sanhuang mixture (Astragalus membranaceus, Coptis chinensis, and Scutellaria baicalensis) inhibited platelet aggregation (71).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: In a laboratory study, Baikal skullcap demonstrated possible anti-Candida properties (36; 100).
  • AntihistaminesAntihistamines: Baicalin from Baikal skullcap inhibited histamine and leukotriene release from mast cells in vitro (9; 33).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (9; 70; 81; 82; 83).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal research, Scutellaria baicalensis and its constituent baicalin significantly modified cholesterol levels, as evidenced by reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apo B concentrations, and free fatty acid concentrations. It also increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apo AI levels (61; 49).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In numerous in vitro and animal studies, Scutellaria baicalensis has demonstrated anticancer properties (4; 5; 6; 7). Increased effects of constituents have been shown with other chemotherapeutic agents in vitro (39; 40; 41; 42; 43). According to a review, there is the potential for decreased toxicity to the chemotherapeutic agent when used in combination (44).
  • Antiobesity herbs and supplementsAntiobesity herbs and supplements: In animal research, baicalin reduced weight gain and increased visceral fat mass following a high-fat diet (49).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have antioxidant activity (9). Scutellaria baicalensis may exert antioxidant effects via catalase upregulation (101). In cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells, the aqueous extract of Scutellaria baicalensis protected against acrolein-induced oxidative damage, possibly through increases in GSH and elevated mRNA expression of GSH synthesis enzymes (102). In mice, administration of an ethanol extract of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi significantly decreased iNOS and Cox-2 expression and NO and PGE2 production, increased BCL-2, and decreased BAX and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression in LPS-induced RAW264.7 and BV2 cells (46).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have antiviral activity via immunomodulatory activity (9; 32). In vitro, Scutellaria baicalensis inhibited (at 200mcg/mL) human immunodeficiency virus type-1 protease (HIV-1 PR) (54). In vitro, the enzymatic activity of purified recombinant HIV-1/RT was inhibited by baicalin, as was the activity in infected cells (55).
  • BerberineBerberine: According to an assay study, Baikal skullcap may reduce the berberine content in berberine-containing herbs (103).
  • CoptisCoptis: According to an assay study, Baikal skullcap may reduce the berberine content in Coptis root (103).
  • Cytochrome P450-metabolized agentsCytochrome P450-metabolized agents: In laboratory research, the wogonin constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis was found to inhibit cytochrome P4501A2 and 2C19, which may affect the concentrations of drugs metabolized by these enzymes (84).
  • GarlicGarlic: In rats with pelvic inflammation, coadministration of garlic decreased the absorption of active constituents from Scutellaria baicalensis (104).
  • Grape seedGrape seed: In vitro, Scutellaria baicalensis and grape seed proanthocyanidins had synergistic effects on scavenging reactive oxygen species (105).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In animal research, the constituent baicalein inhibited alpha-glucosidase activity (48). Other animal research found that baicalin reduced elevated insulin concentrations following a high-fat diet (49). Scutellaria baicalensis was also found to enhance the antidiabetic activity of metformin (a chemical relative to the French lilac or Galega plant) in rats, as evidenced by elevated hepatic activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx); increases in plasma and pancreatic insulin levels; and decreases in plasma and hepatic triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol levels (97).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: According to a review, Scutellaria constituents may have hypotensive effects (28).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: According to a review and laboratory studies, Baikal skullcap and its constituents may have immunomodulatory effects, based on the modulating effects of cytokines (interleukins and interferons), eicosanoids, nitric oxide, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1alpha, and MIP-1beta mRNA and protein (9; 70; 81; 82; 83).
  • Osteoporosis agentsOsteoporosis agents: Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi extracts inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in mouse monocyte RAW264.7 cells and primary mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs), and inhibited the activation of JNK (69).
  • PC-SPESPC-SPES: PC-SPES contains Baikal skullcap, and thus additive effects may occur in theory. PC-SPES has been recalled from the U.S. market due to possible contamination and should not be used.
  • P-glycoprotein modulatorsP-glycoprotein modulators: Baicalein increased anti-p-glycoprotein activity; substration of the ring altered (increased or decreased) its effects (99). In vitro and in vivo (in animals), oroxylin A inhibited p-glycoprotein-mediated drug efflux (43). In vitro, wogonin potentiated the antitumor action of etoposide and ameliorated its adverse effects, likely due to p-glycoprotein inhibition (41; 42).
  • PhytoestrogensPhytoestrogens: In vitro, Scutellaria baicalensis ethanolic extract had estrogenic effects (50).
  • SedativesSedatives: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have sedative activity (9). Baicalin administration decreased slow-wave sleep (SWS) during the first two hours of the light period without affecting rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), an effect possibly mediated via antagonism of the IL-1 receptor (74).
  • Vitamin CVitamin C: A combination of Antoxid (extract of Scutellaria baicalensis) and vitamin C had synergistic antioxidant effects in vitro (106).

    • Baikal skullcap/Food Interactions:

  • GarlicGarlic: In rats with pelvic inflammation, coadministration of garlic decreased the absorption of active constituents from Scutellaria baicalensis (104).
  • Vitamin C-containing foodsVitamin C-containing foods: A combination of Antoxid (extract of Scutellaria baicalensis) and vitamin C had synergistic antioxidant effects in vitro (106).

    • Baikal skullcap/Lab Interactions:

  • Atherogenic indexAtherogenic index: According to an animal study, radix Scutellaria baicalensis extract and constituents may lower atherogenic index scores (60; 49).
  • Blood glucose and insulinBlood glucose and insulin: In animal research, the constituent baicalein inhibited alpha-glucosidase activity (48). Other animal research found that baicalin reduced elevated insulin concentrations following a high-fat diet (49).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: According to a review, Scutellaria constituents may have hypotensive effects (28).
  • Body weightBody weight: In animal research, baicalin reduced weight gain and increased visceral fat mass following a high-fat diet (49)
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In human research, Sanhuang mixture (Astragalus membranaceus, Coptis chinensis, and Scutellaria baicalensis) inhibited platelet aggregation (71).
  • Corticosterone levelsCorticosterone levels: In mice, a combination of Schisandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis decreased corticosterone levels (77).
  • EstrogensEstrogens: In vitro, Scutellaria baicalensis ethanolic extract had estrogenic effects (50).
  • Inflammation markersInflammation markers: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have anti-inflammatory activity, as evidenced by inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) (9; 70; 81; 82; 83).
  • Lipid profileLipid profile: In animal research, Scutellaria baicalensis and its constituent baicalin significantly modified cholesterol levels, as evidenced by reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apo B concentrations, and free fatty acid concentrations. It also increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apo AI levels (61; 49).
  • Prostate-specific antigenProstate-specific antigen: In vitro, Baikal skullcap decreased intracellular and secreted prostate-specific antigen levels (73).
  • REM sleep testsREM sleep tests: Baicalin administration decreased slow-wave sleep (SWS) during the first two hours of the light period without affecting rapid eye movement sleep (REMS), an effect possibly mediated via antagonism of the IL-1 receptor (74).
  • Rosuvastatin drug levelsRosuvastatin drug levels: According to pharmacokinetic research, baicalin, a constituent of Baikal skullcap, can decrease plasma concentrations of rosuvastatin, likely by stimulation of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) activity, which transports rosuvastatin into the liver (80).
  • Virus titersVirus titers: According to a review, Baikal skullcap may have antiviral activity (9).
  • White blood cells countWhite blood cells count: According to secondary sources, intramuscular injection of Baikal skullcap was associated with reduced leukocyte count.

    • Baikal skullcap/Modality Interactions:

  • AcupunctureAcupuncture: According to animal research, acupuncture may improve the absorption of baicalin from extracts of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (107).