Relationship: Anxiety Disorders and skullcap

Evidence supporting the use of: Skullcap
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Skullcap (primarily Scutellaria lateriflora, or American skullcap) has a long history of use in North American herbal medicine, especially for its calming and sedative effects. Traditionally, it has been used to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia. Native American tribes and later Western herbalists often prepared teas or tinctures of skullcap as a remedy for “nervous disorders,” convulsions, and stress-related conditions. The traditional rationale is based on observed calming effects rather than rigorous scientific investigation.

Current scientific evidence is limited and mostly derived from small-scale studies, in vitro research, or animal models. Some laboratory studies suggest that skullcap extracts may modulate GABAergic activity in the brain, which is a pathway targeted by many conventional anxiolytic medications. However, these findings have not been robustly replicated in well-designed human clinical trials. Most clinical data available are preliminary, and systematic reviews consistently highlight the lack of high-quality evidence supporting its efficacy for anxiety disorders.

In summary, while skullcap is widely used in traditional herbal medicine for anxiety, scientific validation remains limited. Users should exercise caution, particularly due to rare reports of hepatotoxicity with some skullcap preparations and the potential for adulteration with other species. Consultation with a qualified healthcare provider is recommended before use.

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Evidence supporting the use of: Skullcap
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

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Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

Other health conditions supported by skullcap

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Health Concerns

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Evidence supporting the use of: SkullcapFor the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

Table of Contents

Synopsis

Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

Other health conditions supported by skullcap

Products containing skullcap

Evidence supporting the use of: Skullcap
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders