Reviews (30)Overview: Skullcap is an herb from a group of plants called scutellaria. Two kinds are commonly sold as supplements, American skullcap and Baikal or Chinese skullcap. People often take American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) to feel calm and to help with nervousness, anxiety, and sleep. People often take Baikal or Chinese skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) for inflammation and general wellness. However, the benefits of either form of skullcap are not well defined. It seems to be well tolerated, but it may cause drowsiness or stomach upset. In rare cases, skullcap has been linked to liver problems. Before taking skullcap, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is skullcap used for?
Skullcap (scutellaria) is the common name for several related plants used in supplements. Two types are sold most often, and they are used for different reasons. The benefits for either of these supplements are not well defined, and evidence in humans is limited.
- American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is commonly used to feel calm and to help with nervousness, anxiety, and sleep.
- Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is commonly used for inflammation and general wellness.
Note: The FDA has not reviewed skullcap for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does skullcap work (mechanism of action)?
Skullcap is the common name for plants in the group scutellaria, which are part of the mint family. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is made from the above-ground parts of the plant, such as the leaves, stems, and flowers. Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), also called Chinese skullcap or scutellariae radix, is made from the root. These plants are different species and may have different effects or side effects.
Skullcap plants naturally contain many chemicals called flavonoids. The main ones include baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, scutellarin, and oroxylin A.
In laboratory research, some of these flavonoids, such as baicalin and baicalein, attach to a spot on brain cells called the GABA-A receptor. This is the same general area where some calming and antianxiety medicines act. Skullcap extracts also seem to affect GABA, a natural brain chemical that lowers nerve activity. This may help explain why American skullcap has traditionally been used to feel calm and less anxious. The flavonoids in Baikal skullcap have been studied in the laboratory for their effects on inflammation, such as lowering certain proteins that the body uses to turn on inflammation.
However, the benefits of skullcap are not well defined. Most of what is known comes from laboratory research and traditional use. Evidence in humans is limited.
Herbal products, such as skullcap, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific skullcap product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store Skullcap?
You should store skullcap according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of skullcap?
Skullcap has not been well studied in humans, so there is not enough research to know all of the common side effects. In studies of healthy people, skullcap was generally well tolerated. The most common side effects of skullcap include drowsiness, diarrhea, and stomach upset. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking and the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.
There may be other side effects of skullcap that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of skullcap?
While less common, the most serious side effects of skullcap are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Skullcap may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using skullcap and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Liver Damage. In rare cases, skullcap has been linked to liver damage (hepatotoxicity), including liver inflammation, which can sometimes be serious. Some of these cases may have been caused by products that were mixed with or replaced by a different, unsafe plant called germander (teucrium), which is known to harm the liver. Stop taking skullcap and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish (also called jaundice)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use skullcap?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take skullcap.
- American skullcap
- Baikal skullcap
- Blue skullcap
- Chinese skullcap
- Huang qin
- Mad-dog skullcap
- Scutellaria baicalensis
- Scutellaria lateriflora
- Scutellariae radix
- Skullcap
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific skullcap products they stock.
What should I know about skullcap before using it?
Skullcap is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Skullcap is available in many forms. Common forms include capsules, tablets, dried herb, teas, and liquid extracts (tinctures). These products may contain different species of the skullcap plant. Many products may also combine skullcap with other ingredients. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Skullcap may be made from different plants and different parts of the plant. For example, American skullcap products are usually made from the above-ground parts, such as the leaves, stems, and flowers. Baikal or Chinese skullcap products are usually made from the root. Each plant and plant part contains different chemicals that may have different effects on the body. It is important to read the product label to confirm which plant and which part were used to make that product.
Keep skullcap out of the reach of children.
Skullcap may affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how skullcap affects you.
Skullcap has been linked in rare cases to liver problems. If you have liver disease or other liver problems, talk to your health care provider before taking skullcap. Also be aware that some products sold as skullcap have been found to contain a different, unsafe plant called germander. Choosing a product that has been tested by a third party may lower this risk.
Herbal products, such as skullcap, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific skullcap product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
The FDA has not tested skullcap products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using skullcap?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if skullcap is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Liver disease or other liver problems
- An allergy to plants in the mint family
- Planned surgery
Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking skullcap, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. The safety of skullcap during pregnancy has not been well established. Some types of skullcap may affect hormones or fetal development. Skullcap supplements are generally not recommended during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if skullcap passes into breast milk. Some types of skullcap may affect milk production. Skullcap supplements are generally not recommended while breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does skullcap interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between skullcap and foods or drinks.
Drinking alcohol while taking skullcap may increase the risk of certain side effects, such as drowsiness or liver problems.
Does skullcap interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking skullcap.
- Any medicine or supplement that can cause dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
- A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
- A statin, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor and others) or rosuvastatin (Crestor), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
The interactions between skullcap and medicines are not fully understood. The interactions may also differ based on the specific skullcap product you are using. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with skullcap is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking skullcap with any medicines.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much skullcap?
If you or someone else has used too much skullcap, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Skullcap is available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, dried herb, teas, and liquid extracts (tinctures). Supplements containing skullcap may also be made from different plant species. Taking more than the amount listed on the product label does not improve results and may increase the risk of side effects. Do not take more than the label recommends.
Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take skullcap safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
This content was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
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