What is the difference between Chinese skullcap and American skullcap?

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Noddie Night · Accepted Answer

They are two different plants. American skullcap is Scutellaria lateriflora, native to North America and traditionally used as a calming herb. Chinese skullcap is Scutellaria baicalensis, native to the Korean peninsula, China, Japan, Mongolia and Russia, and used in Chinese herbal formulas such as Huangqin Tang. They are not interchangeable, so check the Latin name on the label.

A review of the genus in PubMed Central notes that S. baicalensis contains baicalin, baicalein and wogonin, and most of the detailed research on the genus focuses on it, including laboratory findings on anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential. American skullcap receives far less detailed study. Both plants contain baicalin, but that overlap does not make them the same herb.

The gap matters: findings on Chinese skullcap do not automatically apply to American skullcap, and vice versa. Evidence that either one helps with sleep in people is limited.

Noddie Night uses American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.

What is the difference between Chinese skullcap and American skullcap?

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