Wogonin is a flavonoid compound extracted from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. In recent years, scientific studies have investigated its effects on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system, which is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter system in the central nervous system. Several preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies have shown that wogonin can modulate the GABA_A receptor, enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission. For example, a study by Hui et al. (2002) demonstrated that wogonin binds to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA_A receptor complex, exhibiting anxiolytic effects in mice comparable to diazepam but without significant sedative or muscle relaxant side effects. Other studies have reported that wogonin may exert anticonvulsant and neuroprotective effects through GABAergic mechanisms.

However, while the evidence from laboratory and animal studies is promising, there is a lack of robust clinical trials in humans confirming these effects. Thus, although there is scientific validation at the preclinical level for wogonin’s support of the GABA system, the strength of evidence is moderate due to the absence of human data. As of now, its use is not established in clinical practice, but ongoing research continues to explore its therapeutic potential for anxiety, epilepsy, and other disorders involving the GABA system.