Synopsis

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

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), a plant native to North America, has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Native American communities and later in Western herbalism. It has been used primarily as a calming agent to help treat conditions related to anxiety, nervous tension, and insomnia. Traditional preparations, such as teas or tinctures, were believed to promote relaxation and support restful sleep. The basis for this use is largely anecdotal and rooted in herbalist practices from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Modern scientific research on skullcap’s efficacy for insomnia is limited and primarily consists of animal studies and small human trials. Some research suggests that certain flavonoid compounds in skullcap, such as baicalin and wogonin, may have mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, potentially by modulating GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) receptors in the brain. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and the quality of available evidence is low. Thus, while there is some biological plausibility and a strong tradition of use, the scientific evidence supporting skullcap’s efficacy for insomnia remains preliminary. Skullcap continues to be used in herbal preparations for sleep, but consumers should approach its use with caution and consult healthcare providers, especially due to rare reports of liver toxicity associated with adulterated products.

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