Scutellaria baicalensis, more commonly known as Chinese skullcap or scullcap, has a role in traditional Chinese medicine for treating allergies, headaches, infections, inflammation and even cancer. The plant is related to American skullcap, but they have different effects. Chinese skullcap shows antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory research, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), but research with humans is lacking. Side effects are uncommon.
Hypoglycemia
Research with animals indicates that Chinese skullcap may reduce blood glucose levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), which can lead to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Diabetic patients taking medication such as metformin or insulin should monitor their blood sugar levels more closely when taking Chinese skullcap.
Low Blood Pressure
Animal research also indicates that Chinese skullcap can lower blood pressure, as explained by the UMMC. People taking medication to reduce blood pressure should be cautious about using this herb so blood pressure does not drop too low. The main signs of low blood pressure are lightheadedness or dizziness when getting up from sitting or lying down.
Sedation
Chinese skullcap shows sedating effects, according to the MSKCC. People should be cautious about using Chinese skullcap when also taking drugs or herbs with sedative effects, such as alcohol, certain anti-seizure drugs and anti-depressants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, medications to treat insomnia, and the herbs kava and valerian.
Toxicity
Taking excessive amounts of Chinese skullcap can lead to toxicity, with symptoms of confusion, stupor and seizures. Commercial preparations have sometimes been contaminated with the herb germander, according to the MSKCC, a plant which looks like Chinese skullcap and can cause liver damage. Consumers should only buy commercial Chinese skullcap supplements from reputable manufacturers.
Pneumonia
One case of recurrent interstitial pneumonia has been linked to Chinese skullcap, as noted in a study published in the August 2001 issue of "Internal Medicine." The patient had taken a traditional herbal preparation called otsu-ji-to containing several herbs, and laboratory tests determined that Chinese skullcap induced the disease.
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