Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating respiratory ailments, including symptoms similar to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) such as cough, bronchitis, and asthma. In TCM, Baikal Skullcap is believed to "clear heat" and "dry dampness," and its root extracts are commonly included in herbal formulas intended to support lung function and reduce inflammation.

The traditional rationale is based on centuries of empirical use rather than modern clinical trials. While preclinical research has identified that Baikal Skullcap contains compounds like baicalin and baicalein, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in vitro and in animal models, robust clinical evidence supporting its effectiveness specifically for COPD in humans is lacking. Some small studies and animal experiments suggest potential benefits in reducing airway inflammation and oxidative stress, which are relevant to COPD pathology, but these findings have not yet translated into high-quality, large-scale clinical trials.

In summary, Baikal Skullcap is used for COPD primarily due to traditional practices and historical use in herbal medicine. Current scientific evidence is preliminary and insufficient to firmly validate its effectiveness for this condition in humans.