Baikal skullcap(Scutellaria baicalensis) 100 pcs x 250mg

Chinese skullcap is a plant that comes from East Asia and occupies an important place in traditional Chinese medicine. The herb belongs to the so-called adaptogens, i.e. plants that strengthen resistance to stress and support the body's function on many levels. The Chinese call it Huang-Qin and count it among the 50 basic herbs. Baicalin is one of the most important active substances in Chinese skullcap. In addition to baicalin, its root also contains baicalein, wogonin and wogonoside - equally important compounds, and each with a slightly different effect. Research on Baikal Skullcap focuses on either the root extract or extracts containing one of the four compounds above.

This plant is also appreciated for its decorative qualities. It bears beautiful, showy, blue-violet flowers that grow one above the other in long, erect inflorescences.

Baicalin's action based on research:

1. Baicalin promotes the body's correct anti-inflammatory response. This property has so far been studied extensively (over 170 experiments) with various models of inflammation - e.g. joints, intestines, skin, kidneys or liver. In each of the studies, a positive effect of baicalin on inflammation was observed [1].

2. Baicalin has a neuroprotective effect, stimulates neurogenesis and strengthens memory. Several studies have shown that baicalin can inhibit brain tissue damage and reduce the death of neurons in the brain under the influence of various toxic factors. It prevents loss of cognitive abilities and also improves memory, which has been proven by animal experiments [2]. In addition, baicalin can stimulate the regeneration of brain structures and promote their reconstruction [3], and even promote neurogenesis, i.e. the formation of new cells and nerve connections [4].

3.Baicalin can improve mood, as shown by experiments on animal models of depression. In such studies, depressive behavior in animals and changes in their brains are observed. It was found that baicalin repeatedly reduced the animals' depressive behavior and also inhibited apoptosis (death) of neurons in the hippocampus, reduced oxidative stress in brain structures, inhibited the activity of MAO-A and MAO-B enzymes that break down serotonin, and reduced the level of corticosterone (animal stress hormone) in the blood [5, 6, 7].

4. Baicalin supports the function of joints affected by inflammation. This property has been tested in an animal study and in a human study. In both cases, it was observed that oral baicalin supplementation had a positive effect on the condition of the joints. Their swelling and stiffness decreased and range of motion increased [8, 9].

Sources:

1.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=baicalin+inflammation

2. Neuroprotective and Cognitive Enhancement Potentials of Baicalin: A Review:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6025220/

3. Neuronal differentiation of human iPS cells induced by baicalin via regulation of bHLH gene expression: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26277393/

4. Baicalin influences the dendritic morphology of newborn neurons in the hippocampus of chronically stressed rats: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4146053/

5.Baicalin Reverses Depressive-Like Behaviours and Regulates Apoptotic Signalling Induced by Olfactory Bulbectomy: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26681067/

6. Baicalin decreases SGK1 expression in the hippocampus and reverses depressive-like behaviors induced by corticosterone: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26480816/

7. Antidepressant Effect of Baicalin Extracted from the Root of Scutellaria baicalensis. in Mice and Rats: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/13880200600878684

8. Baicalin Inhibits IL-17-Mediated Joint Inflammation in Murine Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3694363/

9. Baicalin reduces blood lipids and inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease and rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6015450/

10. https://www.drugs.com/npp/baical-skullcap.html