Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a traditional herb widely used in Chinese medicine, where it is known as "Huang Qin." Historically, it has been employed to "clear heat," "dry dampness," and support liver and gallbladder function. In the context of liver health, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has utilized Baikal Skullcap in formulas aimed at "detoxifying" the liver and protecting it from various toxins and inflammatory processes. The root of the plant contains flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin, which are credited in TCM texts with anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects.

From a scientific perspective, while there are preclinical studies showing that extracts and specific flavonoids from Baikal Skullcap can reduce liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and may offer some protection against chemically-induced liver damage in animal models, robust clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Most of the support for liver detoxification comes from its traditional use and animal studies rather than well-controlled human trials. Therefore, while it is justified by tradition and some suggestive preclinical data, it is not strongly supported by high-quality scientific validation for liver detoxification in humans.