---
title: Chinese Skullcap and a Healthy Inflammatory Response
description: Chinese skullcap, which contains more than 40 bioactive compounds, may support a healthy inflammatory response by modulating cytokines.
image: https://www.casi.org/hubfs/casi/archive/nexttues.jpg
---

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# Chinese Skullcap and a Healthy Inflammatory Response

CA Cory Ambrose, ND, MAT Jul 20, 2022

![Chinese Skullcap and a Healthy Inflammatory Response](https://www.casi.org/hs-fs/hubfs/casi/archive/nexttues.jpg?width=960)

Chinese skullcap (*Scutellaria baicalensis*) is a botanical that has been used for centuries to support many aspects of human health. This botanical has more than 40 bioactive compounds, including terpenoids, volatile oils, polysaccharides, beta-sitosterol, and [flavonoids](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31236960/). Research indicates that Chinese skullcap may support a healthy inflammatory response.  

 

The main bioactive molecules of Chinese skullcap are flavonoids that include [baicalin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/), baicalein, and wogonoside. These flavonoids have been shown to support the inflammatory response by modulating [inflammatory cytokines](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/) such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.  

Baicalin has been shown in studies to inhibit the production of [reactive oxygen species](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/), inhibit macrophage activation, and increase the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD). It also has been shown to help attenuate the release of [nitric oxide](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/) through its ability to downregulate inducible nitric oxide synthase. Baicalin has also been shown to inhibit the expression of [cyclooxygenase-2](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/) (COX-2) in certain macrophages, microglia, and lung tissue. In an animal study, baicalin was shown to help inhibit COX-2 expression in the presence of [brain injury](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/). In another animal study, baicalin helped attenuate COX-2 expression and parameters related to depression in mice with [chronic stress](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/).  

The flavonoid [baicalein](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/) may help downregulate IL-12 and help support healthy levels of SOD. It has been shown in animal studies to support the [pulmonary inflammatory response](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/). Baicalein was also shown in animal studies to help prevent [macrophage infiltration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/) into certain organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. Another animal study showed improvements in lung infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in the presence of [wogonoside](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/).  

Nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that helps the body’s antioxidative status. Flavonoids from Chinese skullcap including baicalein, baicalin, and wogonin have been shown to help [induce the expression of Nrf2](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33217688/) through multiple pathways.  

An [animal study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31070530/) explored the potential role of Chinese skullcap extracts on the inflammatory response. Significant changes in inflammatory cytokine activity were reported after 10 days of intervention. [Nuclear factor-kappa B](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31070530/) signaling pathways were shown to be inhibited through the [mitogen-activated protein kinase](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31070530/) and other signaling pathways in the presence of *S. baicalensis* extracts.  

Chinese skullcap has also been shown to support certain aspects of [cellular health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29316796/) and healthy cell proliferation. It may also support [neuronal health](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31236960/). Although more studies are necessary, especially in the clinical setting, Chinese skullcap may support a healthy inflammatory response and antioxidative status.  

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