Baicalin (Chinese Skullcap Flavone Glycoside · Anxiolytic · Antiviral)
| CAS No. | 21967-41-9 |
| Class | Polyphenol · Flavone Glycoside · Flavonoid |
| Source | Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap / Huang Qin) — dried roots (primary commercial source) |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Buy from Herbuno | Baicalin 85% Powder (Chinese Skullcap Extract) | Standardized Scutellaria baicalensis → |
Traditional foundation: Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang Qin — Yellow Root) is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, documented in the foundational Shennong Bencao Jing over 2,000 years ago as a heat-clearing, damp-drying herb for respiratory infections, inflammatory conditions, and anxiety-associated restlessness. Name origin: The character huang (yellow) describes the root's characteristic colour, which derives from the high baicalin and wogonin content. Primary constituent: Baicalin (baicalein-7-glucuronide) comprises up to 12–15% of dried root mass — the highest concentration of any single Scutellaria flavone. Bioactivation: Following intestinal hydrolysis by gut microbiota, baicalin releases baicalein — the aglycone — which is absorbed and distributes to multiple tissues including the CNS.
Evidence for Anxiety, Antiviral Activity & Neuroprotection
Anxiolytic and sedative-supportive: Modulates GABA-A receptors, 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, and dopamine D3 receptors. A human crossover RCT with American skullcap extract documented significant anxiety score reductions in healthy volunteers without sedation. Claim strength: Moderate.
Antiviral activity: Baicalin and baicalein inhibit influenza neuraminidase, HIV-1 reverse transcriptase/integrase, hepatitis viral replication, and in vitro SARS-CoV-2 protease. Included in TCM formulations approved in China for COVID-19 management. Claim strength: Moderate (influenza); Emerging (SARS-CoV-2).
Neuroinflammation and neuroprotection: Inhibits microglial activation, reduces brain TNF-α and IL-1β, and protects hippocampal neurons from LPS-induced damage. Studied in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease models. Claim strength: Emerging–Moderate.
Hepatoprotective: Reduces oxidative stress in hepatocytes and inhibits NF-κB-mediated inflammation in liver tissue in preclinical models. Claim strength: Moderate.
Baicalin 85% Powder (Chinese Skullcap Extract) | Standardized Scutellaria baicalensis →
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Dosage, Baicalin vs Baicalein & Formulator Specification
Clinical dose: Huang Qin in TCM preparations: 3–15 g dried root/day. Standardised extract (85% baicalin): 200–600 mg/day providing 170–510 mg baicalin. Human crossover trial: 350 mg of American skullcap extract.
Baicalin vs baicalein: Baicalin (glycoside) requires gut microbiota hydrolysis before absorption — producing slower, more variable delivery. Baicalein (aglycone, available as 98% isolate) achieves faster and more predictable plasma concentrations. For formulations targeting consistent systemic levels, baicalein is the preferred specification. For formulations where the full Scutellaria botanical context is desired, standardised extract at 85% baicalin is conventional.
Safety note on species: Hepatotoxicity cases associated with American skullcap (S. lateriflora) are typically attributed to germander (Teucrium) adulteration. Confirm species and test for adulteration on CoA. S. baicalensis has not been associated with hepatotoxicity at standard doses.
Synergistic pairs: Baicalein (combined glycoside + aglycone for broader pharmacokinetics), wogonin (complete Scutellaria flavone triad), chamomile/apigenin (GABA-ergic anxiolytic stack), elderberry extract (antiviral respiratory formula).
Frequently Asked Questions — Baicalin
What is the relationship between baicalin, baicalein, and Huang Qin extract?
Huang Qin root contains baicalin as its primary constituent (up to 15% of dry weight). Standardised Scutellaria extract concentrates this glycoside form. Gut microbiota cleave the glucuronide to release baicalein for absorption. Baicalein isolate at 98% purity is also available for formulations requiring the free aglycone with faster, more predictable absorption.
Does baicalin cause daytime sedation like pharmaceutical anxiolytics?
No — baicalin and baicalein modulate GABA-A and 5-HT1A receptors with mild anxiolytic effects. The human crossover trial documented anxiety reduction without significant sedation or cognitive impairment, making Scutellaria extract suitable for daytime anxiolytic formulations where sedation would be problematic.
Is Scutellaria safe for the liver?
Case reports of hepatotoxicity with American skullcap (S. lateriflora) are typically attributed to germander adulteration rather than authentic Scutellaria. Chinese Skullcap (S. baicalensis) has not been associated with hepatotoxicity at standard doses. Always specify species on the CoA and test for germander adulteration in S. lateriflora products.
How does baicalin differ from rutin and diosmin as a flavone glycoside?
Rutin and diosmin primarily target venous and capillary health. Baicalin targets neurological (anxiolytic, neuroprotective), antiviral, and hepatoprotective applications — quite different clinical territories despite sharing the glycoside flavonoid structural category.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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