Skullcap Herb: Science-Backed Benefits of Native American Mint

Skullcap is a type of flowering plant belonging to the mint family. Different species of this plant grow in many places worldwide, lending to its use in different traditional medicine systems.

Native American medicine has traditionally used a species of skullcap herb (Scutellaria lateriflora) as a calming tonic for nervous disorders such as anxiety.¹Phytochemical and biological analysis of skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): a medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties.

In the past few decades, research has begun to test some of these health claims. We’ve summarized it below.

In this guide:

• Top 4 recommended skullcap herb supplements
• Science-backed benefits of skullcap herb
• Skullcap herb dosage

Top 4 Best Skullcap Herb Supplements

---

Benefits of Skullcap Herb

After centuries of use in Native American and Chinese traditional medicine, skullcap herb has become a popular supplement in the Western world.

Research has shown that there are at least 73 different chemical compounds within skullcap herb extract.²Volatile constituents of Scutellaria lateriflora L Many of these compounds are flavonoids, which have been shown to possess various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic^?anti-cancer effects.³Identification of phenolics in the fruit of emblica (Phyllanthus emblica L.) and their antioxidant activities⁴Flavonoids: an overview

Different flavanoids and other compounds found in different herbal supplements can have different effects. Here’s a summary of the research-backed benefits of skullcap herb.

• Reduced Anxiety

Skullcap herb’s most common use within traditional Native American medicine is as an anxiety reducer.

In animal studies, researchers have found that skullcap herb does indeed reduce symptoms of anxiety.⁵Phytochemical and biological analysis of Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): A medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties

These researchers observed rats in open, unprotected areas and on narrow platforms elevated above the ground. They found that rats that were given skullcap herb expressed fewer anxiety-related behaviors than the control group.

However, the findings don’t stop with animals.

Early trials have found promising evidence that skullcap herb may reduce anxiety in humans.

One notable study examined the effects of skullcap herb on individuals with low anxiety scores. The researchers found that skullcap herb significantly improved mood scores and slightly impacted anxiety (though they noted that research with a more anxious group would be needed).⁶American Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora): A Randomised, Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Crossover Study of its Effects on Mood in Healthy Volunteers

At a microscopic level, researchers currently think that skullcap herb’s anxiety-reducing effects may be due to two flavonoids found within the plant—namely, baicalin and baicalein.⁷Phytochemical and biological analysis of Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora L.): A medicinal plant with anxiolytic properties

In the human body, these two compounds bind to transmitters in the brain responsible for reducing anxiety-related activity, mimicking a natural chemical called GABA (gamma-Aminobutyric acid).⁸The role of GABA in anxiety disorders.

In plain English, certain chemicals in skullcap herb mimic this calming chemical found naturally in the body.

• Anti-Seizure Potential

Early research shows that skullcap herb may have a positive impact on seizures.

One study examined the effects of skullcap herb and two other herbs individually on chemical-induced seizures in rats. After being injected, the rats were given one of the three treatments via their water supply for 30 days.⁹Herbal treatment following post‐seizure induction in rat by lithium pilocarpine: Scutellaria lateriflora (Skullcap), Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) may prevent development of spontaneous seizures

The rats that were given any of the three herbs had no seizures during the trial, while the control groups did. And when the herbal treatments were removed, the treated rats began to have seizures about as frequently as the control group.

The researchers noted that while skullcap herb hasn’t been shown to control epilepsy, it may be effective as a secondary treatment to reduce symptoms.

Using a different set of seizure-inducing chemicals, another group of researchers came to similar findings. In their study, skullcap herb similarly demonstrated anti-seizure properties.¹⁰Characterization of chemical ingredients and anticonvulsant activity of American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

The researchers mostly attributed skullcap herb’s anti-seizure properties a group of plant chemicals called flavonoids. These natural chemicals also seem to be responsible for the herb’s anxiety-reducing effects, as discussed above.

Thus far, the potential for skullcap herb’s anti-seizure effects in humans is promising. However, more research is needed.

• Powerful Antioxidant and Antimicrobial

Research has shown that skullcap herb is a powerful antioxidant.¹¹Antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds of hawthorn, pine and skullcap

Antioxidants help with reducing numbers of the body’s free-roaming oxidants, also called free radicals.¹²Oxidative stress: oxidants and antioxidants Free radicals are highly reactive molecules, and can cause chemical chain reactions in different systems throughout the body.¹³Biology of disease: free radicals and tissue injury.

Although free radicals occur naturally within the body, having too many of them (a condition called oxidative stress) can be damaging.

Antioxidants, such as compounds found in skullcap herb, can help reduce the risk of conditions like these by eliminating free radicals and thus reducing oxidative stress.

In fact, one study of 12 different herbal extracts found that skullcap herb was one of the most powerful antioxidants among those tested, second only to licorice root.¹⁶Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of some Chinese plant extracts

The same study found that skullcap herb was the most effective of the 12 herbs against E. coli, tied with the Chinese herb goldthread. This suggests that skullcap herb may also be an effective antimicrobial.

The research thus far shows that skullcap herb may be useful for reducing oxidative stress and fighting off foreign agents like bacteria and fungi.

---

Skullcap Herb Dosage

There is currently not enough research to recommend any specific skullcap herb dosage.

Most skullcap herb supplements will list the dosage recommended by the brand. This will vary based on whether you’re supplementing skullcap herb in the form of capsules, extracts, or tea.

The curated skullcap herb supplements above list their recommended dosages on the packaging.

---

Summary

Skullcap herb, once limited to ancient medicinal traditions, has become a popular herbal supplement in the Western world.

While this herb has traditionally been used to treat a wide variety of conditions, modern research has begun to verify its beneficial potential against anxiety, epileptic symptoms, free radicals, and foreign bodies like bacteria and fungi.