Wogonin (Scutellaria Methoxyflavone · GABA-A Selective Anxiolytic)
| CAS No. | 632-85-9 |
| Class | Polyphenol · Flavone · Flavonoid |
| Source | Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese Skullcap / Huang Qin) roots — minor flavone alongside baicalin |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Buy from Herbuno | Wogonin 98% Powder (Chinese Skullcap) | High-Purity Isolate | Scutellaria baicalensis → |
Structural distinction: Wogonin is 5,7-dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone — differing from baicalein by a methoxy group at the 8-position and the absence of the 6-hydroxyl. This structural shift produces a meaningfully different pharmacological profile, with wogonin showing the most specific benzodiazepine-site affinity of the three primary Scutellaria flavones. Anxiolytic specificity: Research by Hui and colleagues in the early 2000s specifically identified wogonin as the GABA-A benzodiazepine site ligand primarily responsible for Scutellaria's anxiolytic activity in animal models — producing anxiolytic effects comparable to low-dose diazepam without the amnestic and sedative side effects. Abundance note: Wogonin is a minor constituent of the root (typically 1–5% of total flavone content) compared to baicalin, making isolated wogonin more expensive to produce than baicalin or baicalein. Anti-neuroinflammatory dimension: In addition to anxiolytic activity, wogonin inhibits microglial activation and has been studied in ischaemic brain injury models.
Evidence for GABA-A Anxiolytic Activity, Neuroprotection & Anti-Inflammation
Anxiolytic via GABA-A — the most specific profile in the Scutellaria triad: In multiple rodent anxiety models, wogonin at 5–10 mg/kg produces anxiolytic effects comparable to 1–2 mg/kg diazepam without memory impairment or excessive sedation. The partial agonist profile at the benzodiazepine site is analogous to the profile sought in next-generation anxiolytic drug development. Claim strength: Moderate.
Neuroprotection and anti-neuroinflammation: Inhibits microglial activation, reduces neuroinflammatory cytokines, and protects hippocampal and cortical neurons from excitotoxicity. Studied in ischaemic brain injury models where it reduces infarct size. Claim strength: Emerging.
Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits NF-κB, iNOS, and COX-2, producing anti-inflammatory effects complementary to baicalin within the Scutellaria complex. Claim strength: Moderate.
Wogonin 98% Powder (Chinese Skullcap) | High-Purity Isolate | Scutellaria baicalensis →
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Dosage & Formulator Specification
Dose range: No established human clinical dose for isolated wogonin. Rodent effective doses scale to approximately 50–200 mg/day human equivalent. In standardised Scutellaria extracts, wogonin contributes 1–5% of total flavone content. At 98% purity, 50–100 mg/day is the proposed supplement range.
Role in the Scutellaria flavone triad: Huang Qin root preparations contain the triad of baicalin/baicalein (most abundant), wogonin, and oroxylin A. High-purity standardised extracts may not retain natural ratios. For traditional TCM-aligned formulations, specify total flavone content from whole Scutellaria root extract. For formulations specifically targeting wogonin's anxiolytic GABA-A profile, isolated 98% wogonin is the appropriate specification.
Synergistic pairs: Baicalin/baicalein (complete Scutellaria flavone profile), apigenin (combined GABA-A anxiolytic stack), L-theanine (non-GABA anxiolytic synergy), passionflower extract (multi-mechanism GABA support), ashwagandha (cortisol + anxiolytic combination).
Frequently Asked Questions — Wogonin
How does wogonin differ from baicalin and baicalein from the same plant?
All three are Scutellaria flavones. Baicalin and baicalein (most abundant) primarily target anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective applications with broad receptor interactions. Wogonin's 8-methoxy, no-6-hydroxy structure produces the most specific benzodiazepine-site affinity — its primary identified application is anxiolytic activity via GABA-A modulation.
Is wogonin appropriate for daily anxiolytic supplementation?
Wogonin's partial agonist profile at GABA-A receptors is mechanistically attractive for daily use — lacking the tolerance and dependence associated with full benzodiazepine agonists. Long-term human clinical trials are not available. Appropriate for supplement formulation positioned for daily anxiety and stress management support, with the evidence stage clearly characterised.
Can wogonin be combined with other GABAergic supplements?
Yes — wogonin's partial GABA-A agonism rationally combines with L-theanine, passionflower, lemon balm (GABAergic), and valerian (valerenic acid). The partial agonist nature produces additive rather than potentially excessive GABA potentiation. Avoid combining with pharmaceutical benzodiazepines without medical supervision.
Why is isolated wogonin less commonly available than baicalin?
Wogonin is a minor constituent of Scutellaria root (1–5% of total flavone content) compared to baicalin (up to 15%). This lower abundance makes isolated wogonin significantly more expensive to produce, explaining its relative rarity as a standalone commercial ingredient versus its common presence as part of standardised Scutellaria root extract.
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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