Evidence supporting the use of: Baikal Skullcap
For the health condition: Influenza

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Synopsis

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

Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of various respiratory infections, including influenza. In this context, it is commonly known as "Huang Qin." Traditionally, the root extract has been used in formulas aimed at "clearing heat" and "removing toxins," which are concepts in TCM often associated with febrile illnesses like influenza. Some preclinical studies (cell culture and animal models) have demonstrated that Baikal Skullcap contains bioactive flavonoids such as baicalin and baicalein, which exhibit antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. For example, laboratory studies have shown that baicalin can inhibit influenza virus replication in vitro and in animal models, and may reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with severe flu infections.

However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the majority of available evidence remains preclinical. While these laboratory findings are promising, they have yet to be confirmed in large-scale human studies. Therefore, although there is a basis for its use in tradition and some supporting scientific rationale from laboratory research, there is not enough high-quality clinical evidence to fully endorse Baikal Skullcap as an effective treatment for influenza. Its use for this purpose is justified primarily by tradition, with a low to moderate level of supporting scientific evidence.

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