American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): an ancient remedy for today’s anxiety?

Abstract

Anxiety is a common but potentially serious disorder as it can lead to somatic and social dysfunction. Orthodox anxiolytics are associated with unpleasant side-effects and dependency. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a popular herb in traditional medicine systems and the western materia medica for anxiety and related disorders. Preliminary clinical and in vitro research provides encouraging support for its potential as a safe, well-tolerated and effective alternative. Key points• Research has demonstrated the capacity of American skullcap's flavonoids to bind to brain receptors implicated in modulation of anxiety • In one year up to one in six UK adults in the UK may suffer from an unexplained psychological disorder, the most common being anxiety • Anxiety and stress are common reasons for visits to herbal medicine practitioners.• An initial survey of UK and Ireland herbal medicine practitioners indicated American skullcap as their treatment of choice for anxiety and related disorders • Quality control of the raw herb and its commercial products is important.

Medicinal Plants of the Family Lamiaceae in Pain Therapy: A Review

“…Scutellaria lateriflora L., also known as American skullcap, is a member of Scutellaria genus and is native to North America and is best known for its sedative and anxiolytic effects. The plant is still widely used by herbal medicine practitioners for insomnia, nervous anorexia, headaches, depression, panic attacks, and fibromyalgia [ 164 , 165 ]. Most often, it is prescribed as a tincture, although teas and tablets are also commercially available, with wide variability depending on the manufacturer and species of Scutellaria used [ 166 ].…”

“…Most often, it is prescribed as a tincture, although teas and tablets are also commercially available, with wide variability depending on the manufacturer and species of Scutellaria used [ 166 ]. Although rare, possible side effects of chronic treatment include drowsiness, mild digestive upset, and vivid dreaming [ 165 ].…”

The use of Scutellaria lateriflora: A pilot survey amongst herbal medicine practitioners

“…The results may help to inform treatment protocols in clinical studies. A brief version of the survey was reported previously (Brock et al 2010) along with a more detailed scientific basis for the use of S. lateriflora.…”

The Influence of Baikal Skullcap on Carbohydrate Metabolism of Rats Subjected to Adrenaline Stress

“…Настій шоломниці в основному діє подібно до настою собачої кропиви, пригнічуючи центральну нервову систему (але в два рази активніше), має гіпотензивну та седативну дію, сприяє зменшенню напруги при фізичній та психічній перевтомі [7]. Як фармакологічні так і клінічні дослідження переконують, що препарати цієї рослини малотоксичні [8].…”

“…Обговорення. За даними ряду авторів [4,6,7,8] шоломниця байкальська може мати ефект різного ступеня інтенсивності залежно від дози та часу вживання. Зокрема, автори підкреслюють, що ця рослина може знижувати рівень глюкози в крові, оскільки її активний компонент є позитивним алостеричним модулятором рецептора типу А до ГАМК [2].…”