Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin,Chinese Skullcap Root,Scutellaria Baicalensis)
What is Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin)?
Baikal Skullcap Root, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Huang Qin, refers to the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a plant of the Lamiaceae (mint) family.
Nature and Flavor: Bitter in flavor, cold in nature.
Meridian Affiliation: Lung, Gallbladder, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine.
It is traditionally used for clearing heat and drying dampness, purging fire and detoxifying, stopping bleeding, and calming the fetus.
It is commonly prescribed for conditions such as damp-warm diseases, summer heat with dampness, chest oppression with nausea, fullness due to damp-heat, jaundice, dysentery, lung heat cough, high fever with thirst, blood-heat vomiting and nosebleeds, and restlessness of the fetus.
What Are the Benefits of Chinese Skullcap Root (Huang Qin)?
Traditional Uses
Functions:
Clears heat and dries dampness, purges fire and detoxifies, stops bleeding, and calms the fetus.
- Damp-warm disease, summer heat, chest oppression with nausea, fullness from damp-heat, jaundice and dysentery:
With its bitter and cold properties, this herb excels at clearing heat and drying dampness, especially targeting damp-heat in the upper and middle burners, such as the lung, stomach, gallbladder, and large intestine. - Lung heat cough, high fever with thirst:
Entering primarily the Lung meridian, it clears lung fire and excess heat in the upper burner, making it useful for cough with thick phlegm, wheezing, or shortness of breath caused by lung heat. - Bleeding from blood-heat:
This herb cools the blood and stops bleeding by clearing fire and detoxifying, useful in cases of vomiting blood, nosebleeds, and uterine bleeding due to fire toxin. - Sores and toxic swellings:
It also acts to purge fire and relieve toxicity, which can treat boils, carbuncles, hemorrhoids with heat pain, and other heat-induced skin issues. - Restlessness of the fetus:
With its ability to clear heat and calm the fetus, it addresses fetal restlessness caused by blood heat, qi deficiency with blood heat, or kidney deficiency with heat.
Modern Pharmacological Effects
- Antioxidant Activity
Flavonoids in Baikal Skullcap Root possess significant antioxidant properties, effectively scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Research shows it can enhance antioxidant enzyme activity, lowering oxidative damage markers and offering protective effects against a variety of diseases. - Anti-inflammatory Effects
The herb demonstrates broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory effects, inhibiting inflammation development by blocking inflammatory signaling pathways and reducing pro-inflammatory mediators. Clinical studies have shown effectiveness in treating gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and rheumatic diseases. - Anti-tumor Properties
Baikal Skullcap Root exhibits clear inhibitory effects on various tumor cells, suppressing proliferation, promoting apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Its flavonoids interact with multiple molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis, showing clinical potential in treating lung cancer, breast cancer, and liver cancer. - Antimicrobial Effects
It has broad-spectrum antimicrobial action, effective against many bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The flavonoids can disrupt bacterial cell membranes and metabolic activity, aiding in (used in traditional contexts) of infectious diseases. Clinical applications include oral infections, skin infections, and more.
Usage and Dosage
Internal Use:
Typically administered as a decoction, in the dose of 3–10g.
- Use raw for clearing heat.
- Use charred for stopping bleeding.
- Use stir-fried (dry-fried) for calming the fetus.
- Use wine-processed when targeting heat in the upper burner.
Medicinal Food Recipes
1. Baikal Skullcap Lung-Clearing Decoction
- Function: Clears lung heat and resolves internal stagnation. Useful for acne due to internal heat.
- Ingredients:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) – 9g, Angelica Root – 6g, Safflower – 6g, Chuanxiong Rhizome – 9g, Red Peony Root – 9g, Raw Rehmannia Root – 9g, Kudzu Root – 9g, Trichosanthes Root – 9g, Mint – 1g - Instructions: Place all ingredients in a pot, add enough water to cover, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Dosage: Take 1 small bowl, twice daily (morning and evening) for 1 week.
2. Coix Seed and Skullcap Medicinal Wine
- Function: Clears heat and toxins, dispels wind and dampness. Treats beriberi, limb stiffness, rheumatic pain, neck rigidity, and speech difficulty.
- Ingredients:
Coix Seed – 50g, Antelope Horn Shavings – 10g, Saposhnikovia Root – 30g, Cimicifuga – 20g, Gentiana – 20g, Baikal Skullcap Root – 20g, Lycium Bark – 15g, Bitter Orange – 15g, Notopterygium Root – 20g, Achyranthes Root – 50g, Acanthopanax Root Bark – 30g, Angelica pubescens – 20g, Arctium Fruit – 20g, Cinnamon Bark – 20g, Raw Rehmannia Root – 50g, White Liquor – 2.5 liters - Instructions: Wash and crush herbs, wrap in white gauze, soak in white liquor in a sealed container. Store in a cool, dry place for 7 days, then filter for use.
Precautions and Side Effects
- Not suitable for individuals with weak digestion or cold spleen-stomach deficiency, due to its bitter cold nature.
- Should not be taken with vitamin C, as it breaks down active flavonoid glycosides, reducing efficacy.
- Avoid use with digitalis glycosides, as it may increase the risk of toxicity.
- Should not be combined with propranolol, which can reduce Baikal Skullcap Root’s antihypertensive effects.
- Do not combine injectable forms with penicillin, as they are highly incompatible and unstable.
Wild Baikal Skullcap Root and Organic Baikal Skullcap Root
What is Wild Baikal Skullcap Root(Wild Chinese Skullcap)?
Wild Baikal Skullcap Root refers to naturally occurring plants that grow freely in the wild without any human intervention. These herbs rely entirely on natural environmental conditions—such as sunlight, soil, and rainfall—for propagation. Typically, Wild Chinese Skullcap has a longer growth cycle, usually more than three years. Because of this extended development period, its roots tend to contain higher concentrations of active compounds like baicalin, resulting in superior medicinal potency compared to cultivated varieties.
Due to its natural purity and absence of chemical pesticides or fertilizers, Wild Chinese Skullcap is considered a premium-quality herbal material. However, it is relatively rare and difficult to harvest, which makes it significantly more expensive in the marketplace.
What is Organic Baikal Skullcap Root(Organic Chinese Skullcap)?
Organic Baikal Skullcap Root is cultivated according to strict international or national organic agricultural standards. Throughout the entire growing process, the use of chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, growth regulators, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is strictly prohibited. Instead, organic farming relies on natural compost and ecological pest management methods to maintain soil and plant health.
To ensure purity and safety, Organic Chinese Skullcap must be grown in fields that are far from pollution sources and pass rigorous organic certification inspections. Compared to conventionally grown varieties, Organic Chinese Skullcap often contains higher levels of active constituents such as baicalin, making it not only more effective but also safer and more environmentally friendly. Its clean profile makes it especially suitable for long-term medicinal use.
References on Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap Root)
Phytochemistry and Constituents
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Pharmacology and Bioactivities
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21. Jiang WY, Seo GS, Kim YC, Sohn DH, Lee SH. PF2405, a standardized fraction of Scutellaria baicalensis, ameliorates colitis in vitro and in vivo. Arch Pharm Res. 2015;38(6):1127–1137.
22. Sun F, Gu W. Baicalin attenuates collagen-induced arthritis via inhibition of JAK2–STAT3 signaling and modulation of Th17 cells in mice. J Cell Commun Signal. 2019;13(1):65–73.
23. Khan S, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Li M, Wang C. Wogonin attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2016;428:101–108.
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Clinical and Applied Studies
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Chinese Materia Medica (Zhong Hua Ben Cao): Chinese Skullcap Root(Huang Qin)
Other Names
Fu Chang, Huang Wen, Du Fu, Hong Sheng, Jing Qin, Yin Tou, Nei Xu, Kong Chang, Zi Qin, Su Qin, Tiao Qin, Yuan Qin, Tu Jin Cha Gen, Shan Cha Gen, Huang Jin Tiao Gen
Source
As recorded in Wu Pu’s Materia Medica (Wu Pu Ben Cao): “Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) sprouts in February, with reddish-yellow leaves arranged in pairs. The stems are hollow and sometimes square, growing up to 3 or 4 feet tall. The flowers bloom red in April, fruits turn black by May, and the roots are yellow. Harvest from February to September.”
1. Supplementary Records (Bie Lu): Grows in the valleys of Zigui and Yuanju. Roots are collected on the third day of the third lunar month and dried in shade.
2. Tao Hongjing: “The best Huang Qin is from Pengcheng, though Yuzhou also produces it. The round root is called Zi Qin (seedling root) and is considered superior; the split root is called Su Qin (aged root). The center often decays, hence the name Fu Chang (rotten intestine). Only deeply colored, solid roots are ideal.”
3. Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu): “Su Qin refers to old roots, usually hollow in the center, yellow outside and black inside—this is today’s ‘sliced Qin.’ Zi Qin refers to fresh roots, typically solid inside.”
Botanical Origin
The medicinal material is the dried root of plants in the Lamiaceae family:
1. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi
2. Scutellaria amoena G.H. Wright
3. Scutellaria viscidula Bunge
4. Scutellaria likiangensis Diels
Harvest and Processing
Plants are cultivated for 2–3 years before harvesting. Harvesting is done in autumn after stems and leaves turn yellow. On sunny days, the roots are dug up, the above-ground parts are removed, soil is shaken off, and roots are sun-dried until semi-dry. The outer skin is then beaten off before the roots are fully sun-dried or oven-dried.
Habitat and Distribution
Ecological Environment:
- Scutellaria baicalensis: Grows on sunny, dry slopes or wastelands at 60–2000 meters elevation; often found along roadsides.
- Scutellaria amoena: Found on grasslands or under pine forests at 1300–3000 meters.
- Scutellaria viscidula: Grows in gravel-covered grasslands at 700–1400 meters.
- Scutellaria likiangensis: Located in shrubby areas or grassy hills at 2500–3100 meters elevation.
Geographical Distribution:
- Scutellaria baicalensis: Found in Northeast China, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Gansu, Shandong, and Henan.
- Scutellaria amoena: Distributed in Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan.
- Scutellaria viscidula: Occurs in Jilin, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong.
- Scutellaria likiangensis: Found in southern Sichuan and northwestern Yunnan.
Botanical Description
- Scutellaria baicalensis: Perennial herb, 30–80 cm tall. Stems are bluntly quadrangular, green or purplish, hairless or sparsely hairy. Leaves are opposite, linear-lanceolate, 1.5–4.5 cm long, deep green above, pale below, gland-dotted underneath. Racemes are 7–15 cm long. Flowers are two-lipped, bluish purple or reddish-purple. Nutlets are ovate-spherical and tuberculate. Flowering: June–September. Fruiting: August–October.
- Scutellaria amoena: Perennial herb, 20–35 cm tall. Stems sharply quadrangular, sparsely hairy. Leaves are ovate to elliptic, 1.4–3.5 cm long, sometimes folded. Margins are shallowly toothed or entire. Flowers are purple or bluish-purple, 2.4–3 cm long. Nutlets are brown and tuberculate. Flowering: May–September. Fruiting: July–October.
- Scutellaria viscidula: Perennial herb, 20–35 cm tall. Erect purplish stems with backward hairs. Leaves are ovate or elliptical, 1.3–3 cm long, green on top, pale below, gland-dotted. Flowers are yellow-white to yellow-green with purple spots or stripes, 2.6–3 cm long. Flowering: May–August. Fruiting: July–September.
Cultivation
Biological Characteristics: Prefers warm, cool climates. Tolerant of severe cold (to -30°C), drought, and poor soils. Grows best in well-lit, deep, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline loamy or sandy soils. Avoid continuous cropping.
Propagation Techniques
Propagated by seed or root division.
Seed Propagation: Direct seeding or transplanting from seedbeds. Spring sowing: March–April. Fall sowing: mid-August. Sow in rows 30–45 cm apart, 15 kg seed per hectare. Thin seedlings to 12–15 cm spacing.
Root Division: Dig up dormant 3-year-old rhizomes. Use the main root medicinally. Cut remaining rhizome into sections with 2–3 buds for planting.
Field Management
Keep soil moist during emergence. Weed and loosen soil regularly. Fertilize 2–3 times a year, especially during peak growth in June–July. Apply manure, ammonium sulfate, or superphosphate. Remove flower stalks before blooming unless saving seed.
Pest and Disease Control
- Leaf Spot Disease: Apply Bordeaux mixture (1:1:200) or 50% carbendazim (1000x dilution) at early stages.
- Root Rot: Improve drainage and practice crop rotation.
- Skullcap Moth: Control using 90% dichlorvos pesticide.
Macroscopic Characteristics
(1) Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin): The root is conical and often twisted, measuring 5–25 cm in length and 1–3 cm in diameter. The surface is brownish-yellow or dark yellow, rough, with distinct longitudinal wrinkles or irregular reticulated patterns. Lateral root scars and remnants of stem bases can be observed at the apex. It is hard and brittle, easily broken. The cross-section is yellow, with a reddish-brown center. In older roots, the xylem is withered, brown-black or hollow, known as “Ku Qin” (dried skullcap root). It has a faint smell and a bitter taste.
Preferred specimens are long, firm, and yellow in color.
(2) Yunnan Skullcap Root (Dian Huang Qin): The rhizome grows horizontally or obliquely and is over 1 cm thick. The root is conical and irregularly shaped with branches, 5–20 cm in length and 1–1.6 cm in diameter. The surface is yellow-brown or brownish-yellow, with rough corky bark and wrinkles. The lower part bears branch root scars. The cross-section is fibrous, bright yellow or slightly greenish.
(3) Viscid Skullcap Root (Nian Mao Huang Qin): The roots are mostly slender, conical or cylindrical, 7–15 cm long and 0.5–1.5 cm in diameter. The surface is similar to that of Baikal Skullcap Root and rarely hollow or decayed.
(4) Lijiang Skullcap Root (Lijiang Huang Qin): The roots are cylindrical with branches, 8–20 cm in length and 0.2–0.5 cm in diameter. The surface is yellow-brown. The cross-section is yellow, and the center of older roots is dark brown and decayed.
Microscopic Identification
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin): In transverse section, the cork layer is mostly removed or remains only a few layers. Cells are mostly flattened with occasional scattered stone cells. The phelloderm is narrow. The phloem is broad, accounting for about one-third of the root’s diameter. It contains many phloem fibers and stone cells. Stone cells are mostly located externally, and fibers internally. The phloem rays are broad, 10–25 rows of aligned cells. The cambium forms a ring. The xylem comprises about two-thirds of the diameter with 6–10 vascular bundles. Xylem rays are broad and straight, 7–25 rows of thin-walled cells. Vessel diameters are 16–60 μm. The center of older roots contains concentric cork rings. Parenchyma cells contain starch granules, which are round, oval, or irregular, 4–32 μm in length and 4–24 μm in width. The hilum is dot-like or shaped like the Chinese character “人”, mostly single granules with few compound granules (2–3 components).
Yunnan Skullcap Root (Dian Huang Qin): Cork layer comprises 6–9 rows of cells. Phloem accounts for about one-fourth of root diameter, with scattered fibers and occasional large and small stone cells, irregular or square in shape. The cambium is not distinct. The xylem has 8–13 bundles and 8–18 rows of thin-walled rays. Vessel diameter is 28–44 μm. No cork ring in the center. Starch granules are 2–12 μm in diameter, with no visible hilum or striations.
Viscid Skullcap Root (Nian Mao Huang Qin): Cork layer is 5–8 cell rows thick. Phloem occupies about one-third of the root diameter with scattered fibers and occasionally tiny stone cells. Cambium is distinct. Xylem has 7–13 bundles, and rays are 7–21 rows of thin-walled cells. Vessels are 40–80 μm in diameter. A central cork ring is present with stone cells scattered outside. Starch granules are 2–12 μm, hilum is line- or “人”-shaped, no striations.
Lijiang Skullcap Root (Lijiang Huang Qin): Cork layer has 6–9 rows of cells. Phloem accounts for about one-third of root diameter, with no stone cells or fibers. Xylem has 9–10 bundles, rays are 8–19 rows of thin-walled cells. Vessels are 20–40 μm in diameter. No cork ring is present in the center. Most starch granules are round and 4–10 μm in diameter; no hilum or striations observed.
Powder Characteristics
Color: Deep yellow.
1. Phloem fibers: Light yellow, spindle-shaped with pointed or blunt ends, 51–200 (up to 270) μm in length, 9–33 μm in diameter, thick walls, lignified, distinct pits.
2. Stone cells: Varied shapes including square, round, oval, triangular, polygonal, or irregular. Diameters range from 24–48 μm and lengths from 85–160 μm, walls up to 24 μm thick. Occasionally yellow-brown, round stone cells are seen, about 66 μm in diameter.
3. Xylem parenchyma cells: Spindle-shaped, often adjacent to vessels, with slightly thickened, non-lignified walls, and thin transverse partitions in the center.
4. Phloem parenchyma cells: Spindle or oblong-shaped with bead-like wall thickenings.
5. Vessels: Reticulated or pitted, up to 72 μm in diameter, short vessel elements with slanting end walls and often tail-like extensions, sometimes twisted.
6. Xylem fibers: Long and slender, slightly thick walls, with pitted or bordered pits. Also visible: starch granules and cork cells.
Toxicity
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) has extremely low toxicity. When its decoction was administered to rabbits via gastric infusion, or its alcohol extract was injected intravenously, it only caused slight reduction in activity. Oral administration of 4 g/kg of infusion for 8 weeks in dogs showed no toxic reactions. However, intravenous injection of 2 g/kg in healthy rabbits first caused sedation and then death, indicating that intravenous administration is significantly more toxic than oral intake. Both intramuscular and intravenous injections of skullcap extract significantly reduced total white blood cell count in rabbits in the short term. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of baicalin by intraperitoneal injection in mice is 3081 mg/kg. Oral administration of 15 g/kg caused vomiting in dogs. Prolonged administration of 5 g/kg for 8 weeks resulted in soft stools.
Chemical Constituents
1. Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) contains various flavonoids: baicalein, neobaicalein (skullcapflavone II), baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, oroxylin A, 7-methoxybaicalein, skullcapflavone I, dihydrooroxylin A, chrysin, and multiple methoxy- or hydroxyl-substituted flavones and flavanones. It also includes chrysin-6-C-β-D-glucoside-8-C-β-L-arabinoside, wogonin-5-β-D-glucoside, viscidulin I/II/III, tenaxin II, norwogonin, dihydrobaicalin, and eriodictyol. Other constituents include phytosterols such as β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.
2. Yunnan Skullcap Root (Dian Huang Qin) contains similar flavonoids: baicalein, baicalin, wogonin, wogonoside, skullcapflavone II, scuteamoenoside, scuteamoenin, and various hydroxylated and methoxylated flavanones and flavones, along with β-sitosterol and chrysin.
3. Viscid Skullcap Root (Nian Mao Huang Qin) also contains baicalin, wogonoside, baicalein, wogonin, oroxylin A, neobaicalein, panicolin (skullcapflavone I), and viscidulin I/II/III.
4. Lijiang Skullcap Root (Lijiang Huang Qin) contains baicalein, wogonin, chrysin, oroxylin A, tenaxin II, and viscidulin I.
Other species in the same genus, such as Gansu Skullcap and Chuan Skullcap, contain similar compounds including rehderianin I, ganhuangenin, baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, and oroxylin A.
Pharmacological Effects
1. Antibacterial Activity
The decoction of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) at 100% concentration shows inhibitory effects on multiple bacterial strains in plate assays, including Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, Proteus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus, hemolytic streptococcus (α and β), Pneumococcus, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Tube dilution tests show that the decoction inhibits S. typhi and α-hemolytic streptococcus at 1:1280 concentration, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Pneumococcus, and Shigella flexneri at 1:640, and Vibrio cholerae and Shigella sonnei at 1:320. At 1:80, it inhibits Shigella sonnei significantly. Ethanol extracts of 0.5g/ml and 0.05g/ml mixed with agar medium (1:1) suppress Pseudomonas aeruginosa. At 2g/ml, they inhibit E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Both aqueous and alcohol extracts at 1g/ml inhibit Neisseria meningitidis.
2. Antifungal Activity
In tube slant tests, the decoction of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) at 4% inhibits Microsporum canis and Trichophyton violaceum, at 8% inhibits Trichophyton schoenleinii, and at 10–15% inhibits T. schoenleinii var. mongolicum, Trichophyton concentricum, and Trichophyton ferrugineum. A 1:3 water infusion inhibits various fungi including T. violaceum, T. concentricum, T. schoenleinii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton verrucosum, Epidermophyton floccosum, Epidermophyton k, w, and Nocardia asteroides.
3. Antiviral Effect
In vitro studies demonstrate that 25–100% concentrations of the decoction inhibit the replication of hepatitis B virus DNA.
4. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Allergic Effects
The 70% ethanol extract administered orally at 200–500mg/kg, along with compounds such as baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin (at 50–100mg/kg), inhibits peritoneal exudation in mice caused by acetic acid and reduces paw edema induced by compound 48/80. The extract also suppresses adjuvant-induced arthritis and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats. However, it shows no significant effect on mustard oil-induced contact dermatitis in mice. Baicalin and baicalein are identified as the active constituents for anti-PCA activity and experimental asthma. Baicalin at 10⁻⁴g/ml inhibits 38% of the Schultz-Dale reaction in guinea pig trachea and exhibits antihistamine, anticholinergic, and papaverine-like effects. Baicalein, which is water-insoluble, has two soluble derivatives: baicalein-6-phosphate disodium (BPS) and baicalein-6-sulfate disodium (BSS), which inhibit PCA at 5mg/kg via intravenous injection. Both also inhibit allergic asthma and the Schultz-Dale response in isolated guinea pig intestine and trachea. BPS and BSS inhibit reverse cutaneous anaphylaxis (RCA) at 5–10mg/kg and Forssman vasculitis but not Arthus reaction. Structurally, baicalein and BPS resemble cromolyn sodium (DSCG), but while DSCG only inhibits reaginic antibody-mediated allergies, BPS also inhibits non-reaginic reactions. For example, BPS suppresses mediator release in sensitized guinea pig lungs and human lung cells. Baicalein inhibits cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in arachidonic acid metabolism with IC50 values showing high selectivity for lipoxygenase (0.12μM vs. 6917x for COX). It suppresses leukocyte production of 5-HETE and HHT. Baicalin inhibits 5-HETE but not HHT; wogonin suppresses HHT (IC50: 14.6μM). Baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin inhibit compound 48/80-induced histamine release from rat mast cells (IC50: 52.1μM, >200μM, and 40.0μM respectively). Other flavones such as Skullcapflavon II (15.0μM) and apigenin derivatives also exhibit varying inhibitory effects. Baicalin at 10–100mg/ml significantly inhibits PGE2 and TXA2 production in macrophages.
5. Effects on the Central Nervous System
The decoction at 4g/kg intraperitoneally enhances conditioned defensive reflexes in mice without affecting unconditioned or differentiated reflexes, suggesting cortical inhibition enhancement. Some reports claim antipyretic effects against typhoid vaccine-induced fever in rabbits at 2g/kg, though results vary with different administration routes and preparations.
6. Cardiovascular Effects
Ethanol extract at 1g/kg and decoction at 0.06g/kg intravenously reduce blood pressure in anesthetized dogs. Baicalein at 20mg/kg lowers blood pressure by 40–50%. Repeated oral administration for 4 weeks reduces blood pressure in renal hypertension models. Baicalin at 2×10⁻⁴mol/L antagonizes contractions in isolated aortic and pulmonary artery strips and trachea and suppresses chronotropic effects, indicating non-selective blockade of α, β₁, and β₂ adrenergic receptors.
7. Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Effects
Baicalein, wogonin, skullcapflavon II, chrysin, and other flavonoids at 1.0mM inhibit collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Chrysin also blocks ADP-induced aggregation. Baicalein and wogonin inhibit arachidonic acid-induced aggregation. Baicalein and baicalin suppress thrombin-induced fibrin formation. At 20–50mg/kg, they （helps maintain） platelet and fibrinogen depletion in endotoxemia-induced DIC in rats.
8. Lipid-Lowering Effects
The water extract at 10%, 2ml orally for 7 weeks, reduces serum cholesterol in rabbits. Baicalein and baicalin at 100mg/kg lower triglycerides, free fatty acids, and hepatic lipids in hyperlipidemic rats. Skullcapflavon II enhances HDL-cholesterol levels and reduces total serum cholesterol. Wogonin prevents hepatic lipid accumulation and increases HDL-cholesterol. Ethanol-induced hyperlipidemia models show similar reductions in serum and hepatic lipids with baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin.
9. Hepatoprotective, Choleretic, and Antioxidant Effects
Methanol extract at 1000mg/kg reduces serum bilirubin in rats with ANIT-induced liver injury. Baicalein and baicalin (50–100mg/kg) promote bile flow in rabbits. Wogonin inhibits lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomes. Multiple compounds significantly reduce malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in FeCl₂-Vitamin C-ADP-induced models and inhibit NADPH-mediated lipid oxidation.
10. Anticancer Activity
Ether extract exhibits cytotoxicity against L1210 leukemia cells with an ED50 of 10.4mg/ml. Skullcapflavon II is more potent at 1.5μg/ml. Baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin show minimal cytotoxicity.
11. Other Effects
Baicalein has diuretic effects at 10–20mg/kg. The decoction delays galactose-induced cataracts in rats. Baicalin inhibits aldose reductase (ID50: 1.81 × 10⁻³mg/ml) and may reduce diabetic complications by lowering sorbitol levels in erythrocytes. It also inhibits salivary neuraminidase. Baicalin and glucuronic acid counteract strychnine toxicity in mice, suggesting detoxifying properties. The herb influences prostaglandin metabolism and suppresses their biosynthesis in vitro.
Processing
Raw Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin): Remove impurities and stems. Soak in cool water or briefly in hot water, slice, and sun-dry (avoid over-drying which causes reddening).
Wine-processed Baikal Skullcap Root: Spray slices with yellow rice wine and stir evenly. Stir-fry gently over low heat, then dry (10–15 jin wine per 100 jin root).
Charred Baikal Skullcap Root: Stir-fry slices over low heat until slightly scorched, then cool.
Carbonized Baikal Skullcap Root: Stir-fry over high heat until dark brown on the surface with blackened edges. Retain its medicinal properties, then spray with water and dry.
Identification
Physicochemical Methods:
(1) Add 2g of powder to 20ml ethanol, reflux for 15min, and filter. Adding lead acetate yields an orange precipitate. Adding magnesium powder and hydrochloric acid shows a red color (for flavones).
(2) TLC: Extract 1g powder with ether and evaporate to dryness, dissolve in 70% ethanol. Use baicalein and wogonin as reference standards. Plate with silica gel G and develop with chloroform–methanol (10:1). Observe under UV light (365nm): dark brown spots indicate baicalein and wogonin. For baicalin, extract residue with 50% ethanol, develop on polyamide plates using chloroform–methanol–butanone–acetylacetone (16:10:5:1), and observe under UV.
Meridian Affiliation
Lung, Heart, Liver, Gallbladder, Large Intestine
Nature and Flavor
Bitter; Cold
Caution
According to Exegesis of the Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Jing Shu), avoid use in patients with spleen and lung deficiency and internal cold. Contraindicated in: cold-induced diarrhea and abdominal pain, deficiency-type dysmenorrhea, loose stool from spleen or kidney deficiency, water retention due to weak spleen, amenorrhea from blood deficiency, difficulty urinating due to qi deficiency, cold-induced cough, unstable pregnancy due to blood or yin deficiency.
Functions and Indications
Clears heat and purges fire; dries dampness and detoxifies; stops bleeding; stabilizes pregnancy.
Indicated for: lung heat cough, high fever with delirium, liver fire headaches, red swollen eyes, jaundice from damp-heat, dysentery, painful urination, hematemesis, uterine bleeding, fetal restlessness, abscesses and boils.
Usage and Dosage
Internal: Decoction, 3–9g; or made into pills or powders.
External: Proper amount for washing with decoction, or ground into powder and applied topically.
Compound Prescriptions
1. To treat infantile fright-crying due to heart heat:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) (with black heart removed), Ginseng (Ren Shen), 1 fen (about 3 grams) each. Pound into powder. Take a small spoonful with bamboo leaf decoction at any time.
(Essential Formulas for Universal Relief (Sheng Ji Zong Lu) – Huang Qin Powder)
2. To purge lung fire and reduce heat-phlegm rising from the diaphragm:
Prepared slices of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), stir-fried, ground into powder, formed into pills with paste or steamed dough, about the size of a Wutong seed. Take 50 pills per dose.
(Essential Teachings of Danxi (Dan Xi Xin Fa) – Qing Jin Pill)
3. For chronic bronchitis:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) and Lepidium Seed (Ting Li Zi) in equal parts. Ground into fine powder and made into sugar-coated tablets, each containing 0.8g of raw herbs. Take 5 tablets per dose, three times daily.
(Selected Materials on New Herbal Therapies from Inner Mongolia)
4. For upper respiratory tract infections and enteritis:
Chop Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) and soak it in four times the volume of water for 4 hours. Filter out the residue, soak again with twice the water twice, combine all extracts. Add 20% alum solution to the filtrate to adjust pH to 3.5 (6–8 kg alum per 100 kg Huang Qin), producing yellow precipitate. Let stand for 4 hours, remove the clear liquid, and filter the precipitate with cloth. Dry, grind, granulate, and press into tablets. Take 2–3 tablets per dose.
(Selected Materials on New Herbal Therapies from Liaoning)
5. For Shaoyang or Taiyang headaches, regardless of location:
Sliced Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), soaked in wine and sun-dried. Ground into powder. Take 1 qian (about 3g) with tea or wine.
(Secret Treasures of the Orchid Chamber (Lan Shi Mi Cang) – Xiao Qing Kong Gao)
6. For simultaneous Taiyang and Shaoyang disorders with diarrhea:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) 3 liang, White Peony Root (Shao Yao) 2 liang, Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao) 2 liang, and 12 Jujube (Da Zao), halved. Boil the four ingredients in 10 sheng (about 2 liters) of water down to 3 sheng. Remove the residue. Take 1 sheng warm per dose, 2 during the day and 1 at night.
(Treatise on Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun) – Huang Qin Decoction)
7. For strangury and lower body bleeding:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) 4 liang, finely chopped. Boil in 5 sheng of water down to 2 sheng. Divide into three doses.
(Supplement to the Thousand Ducat Prescriptions (Qian Jin Yi Fang))
8. For hematemesis and epistaxis, due to heart fire accumulation:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) 1 liang (black inner part removed). Ground into powder. Take 3 qian (about 9g) per dose, decocted in water until reduced to 60%. Drink warm with dregs included at any time.
(Formulas Benefiting Life (Sheng Hui Fang) – Huang Qin Powder)
9. For uterine bleeding:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), finely ground. Take 1 qian (3g) per dose, mixed with quenched iron hammer water.
(Essential Formulas (Ben Shi Fang))
10. For women aged 49 and above with disrupted or prolonged menstruation:
Heartwood branches of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), 2 liang, soaked in rice vinegar for 7 days, then roasted. Repeat soaking and roasting 7 times. Ground into powder and formed into Wutong-sized pills using vinegar paste. Take 70 pills on an empty stomach with warm wine, twice daily.
(Experiential Formulas from Rui Zhu Hall (Rui Zhu Tang Jing Yan Fang) – Qin Xin Pill)
11. To calm the fetus:
White Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu), Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), Fried Fermented Massa (Chao Qu). Ground into powder and made into porridge balls for consumption.
(Danxi’s Mental Insights (Dan Xi Xin Zhi))
12. For eye opacity due to liver heat in both adults and children:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) 1 liang, Lightly Fermented Soybean (Dan Chi) 3 liang. Ground into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, wrapped in cooked pig liver, followed by warm water. Twice daily. Avoid alcohol and wheat.
(Health Treasures for the Household (Wei Sheng Jia Bao Fang))
13. For brow pain caused by wind-heat and phlegm:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) (wine-soaked, stir-fried), Angelica Dahurica Root (Bai Zhi). Ground into powder. Take 2 qian mixed with tea.
(Essential Teachings of Danxi (Dan Xi Xin Fa))
14. For bleeding from moxibustion wounds:
Wine-fried Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) 2 qian. Ground into powder, taken with wine.
(Strange Illnesses and Marvelous Formulas (Guai Zheng Qi Fang))
15. For erysipelas (skin infection):
Pound Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) into powder, mix with water, and apply externally.
(Selected Formulas from Master Mei (Mei Shi Ji Yan Fang))
16. For postpartum thirst and excessive drinking:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) (roasted on new tile), Ophiopogon Root (Mai Men Dong) (heart removed), each 0.5 liang. Finely chopped. Take 3 qian per dose, decocted in 1.5 cups of water down to 80%. Drink warm. No time restriction.
(Yang’s Family Prescriptions (Yang Shi Jia Cang Fang))
Clinical Applications
1. Treatment of Acute Respiratory Infections in Children:
Use 50% decoction of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin): for infants under 1 year, 6 ml/day; over 1 year, 8–10 ml/day; children over 5, appropriately increased. Administered in 3 doses. Among 63 cases (51 acute URIs, 11 bronchitis, 1 tonsillitis), 51 were fully resolved with normalization of temperature within 3 days and symptom relief within 4 days. 12 cases showed no effect.
2. Treatment of Chronic Bronchitis:
Boil 1 jin of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) with 0.5 jin of Licorice Root (Gan Cao) to yield 3 jin of decoction. Separately, soak 1 jin of lime in 10 jin of cool boiled water, let sit for 24 hours, and collect 8 jin of supernatant. Slowly add decoction into lime water while stirring to adjust pH to 7–8. Take 20–25 ml, three times daily. Among 35 cases, significant improvement observed in 16. Especially effective for the simple type.
3. Treatment of Acute Bacillary Dysentery:
Equal parts of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) and Terminalia Fruit (He Zi) processed with alum precipitation into powder. Take 3g per dose, multiple times daily. Reduce dose for children. Supportive therapy included hydration and antipyretics. Among 100 cases, symptoms resolved in 2.5 days on average, normal stool microscopy in 3.3 days, negative cultures in 3 days, and clinical recovery in 5 days.
4. Treatment of Leptospirosis:
Equal parts of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua), and Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao) processed into baicalin and extract tablets (0.5g each, equivalent to 3.7g raw herbs). Take 10–15 tablets every 6 hours. Among 65 cases, 58 out of 59 treated in one region recovered; another region had 4 out of 6 fail. Onset of fever reduction averaged 1.5 hours, full temperature normalization in 1.8 days, and clinical symptoms resolved in 2–5 days for mild-to-moderate cases. Minimal side effects: mild nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which resolved after stopping the drug.
5. Treatment of Infectious Hepatitis:
Use baicalin capsules (0.25g per capsule), 2 capsules per dose, three times daily. Reduced dosage for children. Among 27 cases of acute hepatitis, symptoms resolved within a month and liver function normalized. 74.1% had ALT return to normal within 15 days. Baicalin injection (40 mg/ml) was also used intramuscularly daily for a month, showing improvement in non-jaundice hepatitis (13 cases: 4 recovered, 1 significantly improved, 6 improved). In some cases, placenta extract and diuretics were added. Chronic hepatitis (47 cases) showed 13 recoveries, 6 significant improvements, and some improvement in others. No serious adverse effects observed.
6. Treatment of Nephritis and Pyelonephritis:
5% baicalin injection: 100–200 mg IM per dose, twice daily (children take half). In 20 cases, 11 acute nephritis (8 cured, 5 improved), 9 pyelonephritis (4 cured, 4 improved, 1 unchanged). Treatment lasted 7–17.5 days (avg. 12.5). Symptoms resolved in 9 days, urine normalized in 15.6 days on average. Likely effective due to antibacterial, diuretic, and antihypertensive effects.
7. Treatment of Hypertension:
20% tincture of Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), 5–10 ml, three times daily. Among 51 patients with BP >180/100 mmHg, over 70% saw reductions >20/10 mmHg after 1–12 months. Symptoms also improved. No major side effects even with long-term use.
Additionally, Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) decoction has been used to （helps maintain） scarlet fever, and lozenges for diphtheria (supports resilience) showed some efficacy.
Scholarly Commentaries
1. Yao Dui:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin), when combined with Magnolia Bark (Hou Po) and Coptis Root (Huang Lian), can relieve abdominal pain. Used with Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi), Vitex (Mu Meng), and Oyster Shell (Mu Li), it promotes fertility. When paired with Astragalus Root (Huang Qi), Baked White Lian Root (Bai Lian), and Adzuki Bean (Chi Xiao Dou), it is effective for treating scrofula.
2. Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Tu Jing):
Zhang Zhongjing used Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) in multiple formulas such as Xiexin Decoction (Xiexin Tang) to treat fullness and hardness below the heart in typhoid fever. This herb is widely applied due to its ability to clear heat and benefit the small intestine. It is also included in Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Decoction for unrelenting diarrhea after purgation in Taiyang disease, and in formulas like An Tai San for calming the fetus during pregnancy.
3. Origins of Medicine (Yi Xue Qi Yuan):
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) eliminates damp-heat in the lungs, reduces redness and swelling in the eyes due to excess heat, and is essential in resolving blood stasis. It disperses fire rising from the lungs and nourishes kidney water to restore balance. According to Zhu Zhi Mi Jue, its nine uses include: 1) clearing lung heat; 2) essential during summer; 3) relieving wind-heat in the upper burner and skin; 4) eliminating all types of heat; 5) nourishing yin and calming yang after childbirth; 6) regulating chest qi; 7) dissolving phlegm above the diaphragm; 8) treating upper burner heat and spleen dampness; 9) calming the fetus. It may be used raw, processed once or twice, with each suited for upper, middle, or lower burners. Wine-processed Huang Qin moves upward to remove blood stasis in the upper body. When lung qi ascends rebelliously, bitter herbs like this are necessary.
4. Zhang Yuanshu:
For dysentery with thick pus and blood, persistent abdominal pain and fever, combine Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) with White Peony Root (Bai Shao) and Licorice Root (Gan Cao). It’s also effective in treating skin heat and clearing phlegm. It is suited for upper burner damp-heat because of its function in draining lung fire. For painful sores, use bitter and cold herbs like Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) and Coptis Root (Huang Lian), targeting different parts and supported by guiding herbs.
5. Li Guo:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) is bitter and light, enabling it to clear lung fire and relieve muscular heat, making it ideal for Lung Taiyin meridian prescriptions. Thicker roots with solid interiors are especially effective for treating lower body disorders.
6. Zhu Zhenheng:
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) expels phlegm by clearing fire. It is best wine-washed to treat damp-heat in the upper burner. When using sliced Huang Qin to clear lung fire, combine it with Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi). For lung deficiency, excessive use may harm the lung; thus, Asparagus Root (Tian Men Dong) should be administered first to preserve lung qi. Although often considered too cold for pregnancy, Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) and White Atractylodes (Bai You) are in fact superior in calming the fetus by clearing heat and cooling the blood, preventing erratic bleeding.
7. Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu:
Zhang Jiegu said Huang Qin clears lung fire and spleen dampness. Li Dongyuan claimed sliced Huang Qin treats lung fire, while branched Huang Qin treats large intestine fire. Zhu Danxi emphasized its use in clearing heat from the middle and upper burners. Zhang Zhongjing prescribed it in Shaoyang syndrome formulas such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang, and in conditions of Taiyang-Shaoyang combined syndromes. Cheng Wuji explained that its bitterness clears epigastric heat. Thus, Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) can access the Hand Shaoyin, Yangming, Taiyin, and Shaoyang meridians. However, it is unsuitable for lung deficiency, as its bitter-cold nature may damage the spleen and stomach. Yang Shiying noted that Chai Hu is less effective than Huang Qin in reducing heat. This herb’s effectiveness depends on pairing: with wine to guide upward, pig bile to clear liver heat, Chai Hu for alternating chills and fever, White Peony Root (Bai Shao) for dysentery, Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi) for lung fire, and White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) for calming pregnancy.
8. Annotations on Materia Medica (Ben Cao Jing Shu):
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) clears pathogenic heat and dries dampness due to its bitter and cold properties. It treats disorders from excess heat such as jaundice, dysentery, and diarrhea, particularly when rooted in damp-heat. Its bitter-cold nature promotes urination by clearing the small intestine, ensuring clean fluid flow. In cases of blood stasis due to heat, it restores menstrual flow and dissolves swellings. For ulcers and suppuration, it reduces fire toxin and cools the blood. It clears internal heat causing abdominal pain in children and regulates digestive function by dispelling stomach damp-heat. Conditions like hematuria or bloody discharge relate to yin damage from heat, and Huang Qin can also address alternating chills and fever linked to Shaoyang disorders. It is not a tonic herb and should be used with caution in those with weak spleen and lung function due to its cold nature.
9. Collected Sayings on Materia Medica (Ben Cao Hui Yan):
For relieving muscle heat and exterior heat, Chai Hu is most effective, but Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) is essential for cooling the skin and dispersing pathogens. It is indispensable for clearing fire from the upper burner and brightening the eyes. Thus, it is a core herb across departments: dermatology for detoxification, ophthalmology for eye inflammation, gynecology for calming the fetus and regulating menstruation.
10. Pharmaceutical Interpretations (Yao Pin Hua Yi):
Dried Huang Qin, known as “withered Huang Qin (Ku Qin)”, is light and targets the upper burner, effectively clearing lung and stomach fire, treating symptoms such as chest heat, cough, bloody sputum, rashes, and pustules. The heavier, thicker “strip Huang Qin (Tiao Qin)” descends to the lower burner, cooling large intestine fire, treating constipation, dysuria, bloody stools, lower abdominal pain, and delirium.
11. Revised Materia Medica (Ben Jing Feng Yuan):
Historically, Chai Hu was seen as less effective than Huang Qin in clearing heat. Chai Hu addresses Shaoyang syndrome’s alternating chills and fever, while Huang Qin targets Yangming’s internal steaming heat. The former is for external pathogens, the latter for internal accumulation. Though bitter and cold, Huang Qin treats surface symptoms. For blood-heat causing abnormal menstruation, formulas like “Zi Qin Wan” (One Herb Huang Qin Pill) are highly effective in women.
12. Verified Annotations on Materia Medica (Ben Jing Shu Zheng):
Zhang Zhongjing paired Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) with:
– Chai Hu to treat qi-level heat (e.g. Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Da Chai Hu Tang);
– White Peony Root (Bai Shao) to treat blood-level heat (e.g. Huang Qin Tang, Huang Lian E Jiao Tang);
– Coptis Root (Huang Lian) to address damp-heat in the middle burner (e.g. Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang).
Each combination leverages Huang Qin’s ability to drain heat from different body levels: qi, blood, or damp.
13. Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing):
Primarily treats all heat-related conditions, including jaundice, enteritis, diarrhea, edema, blood stagnation, ulcers, suppuration, and fire-related ulcers.
14. Additional Records (Bie Lu):
Useful for clearing phlegm-heat, stomach fire, lower abdominal pain, increasing appetite, regulating the small intestine, treating women’s amenorrhea, bleeding, and pediatric abdominal pain.
15. Materia Medica of Yunnan (Dian Nan Ben Cao):
Baikal Skullcap Root (Huang Qin) disperses lung fire upward and bladder fire downward. It treats male urinary disorders and sudden bleeding in women, regulates menstruation, calms fetal heat, and expels excess heat from all six meridians.
16. Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu):
Used for headaches due to wind-heat or damp-heat, chest pain from rebellious qi, fire cough, lung atrophy, sore throat, and all types of bleeding.
17. Orthodox Materia Medica (Ben Cao Zheng):
Withered Huang Qin clears fire in the upper burner, reduces phlegm, calms wheezing and coughing, stops bleeding, and treats alternating fever and chills. Solid roots cool lower burner fire, resolve dysentery, urinary tract infections, intestinal blockage, and uterine bleeding.
18. Scientific Folk Herbal Medicine (Ke Xue De Min Jian Yao Cao):
When applied externally, it disinfects and promotes wound healing.
The information provided on this page regarding traditional Chinese medicinal herbs is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or (used in traditional contexts).
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