Skullcap's therapeutic uses
Skullcap, particularly the European species Scutellaria lateriflora, is a natural herb that has been traditionally used for its sedative properties, with historical applications in treating conditions like nervousness and insomnia. Indigenous Americans and European herbalists have utilized skullcap to alleviate symptoms associated with various nervous system disorders, including epilepsy. In recent years, scientific studies have begun to explore its therapeutic potential more extensively, revealing possible benefits for anxiety reduction and mood enhancement through mechanisms that may involve GABA stimulation.
Additionally, research has suggested that skullcap possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its antioxidant qualities indicate potential in cancer prevention, while neuroprotective effects suggest promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Skullcap may also help mitigate food allergies. However, users should be cautious as excessive amounts can lead to confusion and stupor, and safety for vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women remains uncertain. Overall, skullcap is often taken in combination with other calming herbs and is typically not recommended for long-term use.
Skullcap's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Anxiety, insomnia, enhance mood, offer neuroprotective benefits, inhibit food allergies
Overview
Indigenous Americans and traditional European herbalists used skullcap to induce sleep, relieve nervousness, and moderate the symptoms of epilepsy, rabies, and other diseases related to the nervous system. In other words, skullcap was believed to function as an herbal sedative.
A relative of skullcap, Scutellaria baicalensis, is a common Chinese herb. However, the root is used instead of the above-the-ground portion of the plant, and the overall effects appear to be far different. Only European skullcap (S. lateriflora) is addressed here.
Therapeutic Dosages
When taken by itself, the usual dosage of skullcap is approximately 1 to 2 grams (g) three times a day. However, skullcap is more often taken in combination with other sedative herbs, such as valerian, passionflower, hops, and melissa officinalis, also called lemon balm. Individuals using an herbal combination should follow the label instructions for dosage. Skullcap is usually not taken on a long-term basis.
Therapeutic Uses
Skullcap is still popular as a sedative, but scientific investigation of how well the herb worked only began in the twenty-first century. One early study was a small double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that found indications that the herb might reduce anxiety levels in healthy volunteers. In the 2010s, more human clinical studies into skullcap occurred, showing its ability to increase mood while reducing anxiety by stimulating GABA. One study from 2014 failed to show the benefits of skullcap supplementation for anxiety, but did show increased benefits for mood when compared to the placebo group. Further studies showed antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Skullcap has also shown promise in cancer prevention due to its antioxidant properties. Skullcap has also shown promise as a supplement in treating patients with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's due to its neuroprotective qualities. Finally, skullcap may inhibit allergic reactions from food allergies.
Safety Issues
Skullcap is known to cause confusion and stupor when taken in too-high amounts. There have been reports of liver damage following consumption of products labeled skullcap; however, since skullcap has been known to be adulterated with germander, an herb toxic to the liver, it may not have been the skullcap that was at fault. The safety of skullcap for use by young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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Brock, Christine, et al. "American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): A Randomised, Double-blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study of its Effects on Mood in Healthy Volunteers." Phytotherapy Research: PTR, vol. 28, no. 5, 2014, pp. 692-8, doi:10.1002/ptr.5044.
Kubala, Jillian. "Skullcap: Benefits, Side Effects, and Dosage." Healthline, 30 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/skullcap#‗noHeaderPrefixedContent. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
Newall, C. A., L. A. Anderson, and J. D. Phillipson. "Skullcap." In Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
Nunn, Megan. "Skullcap: Uses, Safety, and More." Verywell Health, 4 Sept. 2024, www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-skullcap-89584. Accessed 16 Sept. 2024.
Wolfson, P., and D. L. Hoffmann. "An Investigation into the Efficacy of Scutellaria lateriflora in Healthy Volunteers." Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, vol. 9, 2003, pp. 74-78.