Baikalin – a natural component of Baikal skullcap with many properties
Baikal skullcap, a plant that has been growing in remote corners of Asia for hundreds of years, has brought relief to its inhabitants in difficult times. This inconspicuous herb has become a permanent fixture in traditional Chinese and North-East Asian medicine. The plant's enormous health potential is due to a flavonoid known as Baikal in. This compound is a substance unique in the natural world, the effects of which can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to take care of their health. What is Baicalin, how is it used, and what does it help with?
Baikal skullcap – what is it?
Baikal skullcap is a perennial flowering plant that has many medical and non-medical uses. Its official name, Scutellaria baicalensis , comes from the Latin word ‘scutella’, which means ‘small shield’. It refers to the characteristic flowers, which resemble highly contoured shields with a captivating shape. Baikal skullcap is known primarily for its richness in active compounds of organic origin, i.e. flavonoids. The most important of these are:
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Baicalin
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Baicalin
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Wogonin
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Wogonoside
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Sterols
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Benzoic acid
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Melatonin
Baikal skullcap grows naturally in Asia, covering the wild backwoods of northern China, Mongolia and Siberia. In addition to this, there are also varieties found in Europe and North America.
Baikalin – what is it known for?
In the world of botany, it is often observed that plants subjected to extreme environmental conditions produce powerful molecules to resist the climatic stressors and various attacks they face on a daily basis.
The most notable features of Baikal skullcap are undoubtedly its chemically unique compounds, such as the flavonoid baicalin A plant with unparalleled power
The root of the Baikal skullcap contains several interesting active ingredients, such as baicalin, which is converted by the intestinal flora into baicalein, a powerful health-promoting flavonoid. Flavonoids themselves are essential compounds that play a key role in cell protection.
Most of the flavonoids found in Baikal skullcap have a direct antioxidant effect, and some of them are able to stimulate the defence mechanisms of cells even at low doses. It is these benefits that have led to the plant's roots being used in China to make a preparation known as huang qin, which was believed to bring longevity and good health.
Baikalin in traditional Chinese medicine – what does it help with?
Traditional Chinese medicine shows that Baikal skullcap has been used for almost two thousand years. Baikalin plays a significant role in the complementary treatment of serious diseases and ailments, such as cancer and hepatitis. It is also responsible for most of the health benefits associated with Baikal skullcap itself. What does it help with?
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Detoxification of the body – The substance is described as detoxifying, diuretic, antibacterial, cooling, calming, antispasmodic, carminative and digestive. It stimulates the liver, lowers blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
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Calming effect and reduction of anxiety – before the invention of benzodiazepines, it was baicalin that had been used for hundreds of years to improve the mood of people with depressive disorders. It is believed to have a beneficial effect on mood and reduce anxiety by stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm frayed nerves.
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Antibacterial and antiviral effects – Numerous studies indicate that the substance contained in Baikal skullcap has strong antiviral and antibacterial properties. In numerous clinical studies, an extract containing baicalin has been shown to be more effective against bacteria than colistin, a commonly used antibiotic.
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Reduction of inflammation – as one of the most effective antioxidants, it has scientifically proven anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
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Promotes the treatment of insomnia – the active compound of Baikal skullcap is also used in the treatment of insomnia. It appears that by stimulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, the substance produces melatonin, a chemical compound responsible for the proper functioning of the human biological clock.
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Affects the circulatory system – in in vivo studies conducted on animals, regular injections of baicalin extract significantly reduced damage associated with induced heart attacks, improving circulation and red blood cell count.
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Prevention of neurodegenerative diseases – some test-tube studies suggest that it may have neuroprotective properties, thus protecting against potential changes in the cerebral cortex caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
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Respiratory tract infections – the substance is used as a natural remedy for respiratory tract infections. Its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties help control congestion, coughing and shortness of breath.
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Promotes prostate health – scientific and popular literature indicate that this substance may reduce the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia. The Chinese consume herbal infusions from the plant as a preventive measure for prostate health.
Baicalin and its properties
Its health properties are related to its active anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) function. It is also an allosteric modulator, exerting a strong effect on the reception of stimuli by receptors located throughout the human body.
Thanks to this, as well as a wide range of other functions, baicalin is known for the following properties:
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Antioxidant properties – neutralising free radicals while enhancing the antioxidant effect.
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Metabolic properties – influencing the prevention of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
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Immune properties – the active compound in Baikal skullcap acts on unfavourable lymphocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells.
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Calming properties – helpful in cases of nervousness, impatience and excessive agitation.
Wide use of Baikal skullcap in cosmetics – is it recommended for body care?
In addition to its antioxidant properties, Baikal skullcap is also a natural sunscreen, protecting the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight and thus delaying the ageing process.
What is more, Baikal skullcap root, when applied topically, has anti-acne properties and reduces chronic inflammation, such as psoriasis. It brightens the skin and improves its appearance and texture. The skin becomes smooth and radiant, and visible redness or dark circles under the eyes are visibly neutralised.
How to use Baikalin?
Currently, there are many ways to take Baikal skullcap, mainly due to its wide availability in various forms. It can be used in the form of dried Baikal skullcap root, which can then be used to make a hot herbal infusion, recommended for use once a day in amounts ranging from 3 to 9 g.
However, the most popular form is powdered extracts in capsule form, as they provide an easy way to use the substance on a daily basis. It is recommended to take up to two capsules per day, although the number may vary depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Side effects and contraindications of baicalin
The substance extracted from Baikal skullcap is a safe and well-tolerated organic compound for the general population. However, high doses of the dietary supplement may cause increased drowsiness.
Excessive intake of Baikal skullcap may, however, lead to hepatotoxicity and pneumonia. It is therefore essential to follow the doses recommended by the manufacturer or doctor. However, given the current lack of research on the safety of baicalin, supplementation should be avoided in the following cases:
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Liver damage and disease
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding
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Treatment with benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants and insomnia medications
Bibliography
‘Baicalein: A review of its anti-cancer effects and mechanisms in Hepatocellular Carcinoma’ – B. Bie et al., Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy scientific journal, Elsevier, 2017.
‘Baicalin Ameliorates Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Inflammation in Mice’ – C-H. Hung et al., scientific journal Planta Medica, Verlag, 2018.
‘Bifunctional effects of O-methylated flavones from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi on melanocytes: Inhibition of melanin production and intracellular melanosome transport’ – M. Kudo, K. Kobayashi-Nakamura, K. Tsuji-Naito, scientific journal PLoS One, PLoS, 2017.
‘Chemoproteomics reveals baicalin activates hepatic CPT1 to ameliorate diet-induced obesity and hepatic steatosis’ – J. Dai et al., scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, PNAS, 2018.
‘Free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities of flavonoids extracted from the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi’ – Z. Gao, K. Huang, X. Yang, H. Xu, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta scientific journal, Elsevier, 1999.
‘Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. (Lamiaceae): a review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology’ – T. Zhao et al., scientific journal The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Oxford Academic, 2019.
‘Scutellaria radix Extract as a Natural UV Protectant for Human Skin’ – J. K. Seok et al., scientific journal Phytotherapy Research, Wiley, 2016.
‘The Fascinating Effects of Baicalein on Cancer: A Review’ – H. Liu et al., scientific journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 2016.
‘Therapeutic potentials of baicalin and its aglycone, baicalein against inflammatory disorders’ – B. Dinda et al., European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, Elsevier, 2017.