Scutellaria baicalensis

Baikal Skullcap

The Baikal Skullcap ( Scutellaria baicalensis ) is a flowering plant in the mint family ( Lamiaceae).

Description

This herbaceous plant reaches heights of growth of about 20 to 40 cm. It has a slender " rhizome " and elongated, egg-shaped and serrated leaves. In the summer it forms on the upper lip purple, the lower lip blue colored, 2 to 3 cm long flowers.

Ingredients

The skullcap contains scutellarin, baicalin, Wogonosid, essential oils, tannins and resins.

Occurrence

The Baikal skullcap is located in Siberia ( Lake Baikal ), its further spread even as far as China, but probably also to North America. Likewise, it is cultivated in Europe.

Use

History

The Indians used for centuries, the skullcap as a medicinal herb. In the 19th century it was compared with the European valerian. In China it is known under the name " Huang qin " for a long time.

Cultivation

Propagation is by seeds, which are sown in the spring or summer, or by cuttings. The Skullcap loves a semi- sunny to sunny spot.

Pharmacology

Baikal skullcap is anti -allergenic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Studies have shown that wogonin, a drug of Baikal Skullcap, which triggers a "suicide function" ( apoptosis) in cancer cells but healthy cells remain completely undisturbed. Research at the Medical University of Vienna from 2011 confirm this.