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Skullcap (Helonias)

(Scutellaria lateriflora)
Family: Lamiaceae (or Labiatae)

Synonyms: Scullcap, Mad-dog weed, Madweed 1, Helmet flower, Hood-wort 2, Blue Pimpernel, Quaker Bonnet 3, Blue skullcap 4,

Downloadable PDF of this monograph

• Herbalists have used skullcap as a sedative for many years, but no clinical trials have proven its efficacy.

• Avoid combining skullcap with alcohol or pharmaceutical sedatives.

• Rare reported cases of hepatotoxicity are likely related to contamination with germander species.

Indications supported by clinical trials

Effectiveness (all indications): uncertain. Clinical trials supporting the use of skullcap are notable for their absence. One small (n=19) randomized, double-blind study looked at energy, cognition, and anxiety in healthy volunteers. The authors reported a trend toward short term sedation and relaxation with less of an effect on cognition.4 However, no statistical interpretation of the data was presented to define the significance of the findings.
Scutellarin, one of the flavone constituents, has shown promise in the treatment of cerebral thrombosis or embolus as well.3

• Tea: 1-2 grams (1-2 tsp) dried herb steeped in 1 cup of water for five minutes and taken TID

• Tincture (1:5 strength in 40-45% ethanol): 2-4 ml TID.11

• Fluid extract (1:1 in 45% ethanol): 1-2 ml TID.11

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