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• Scutellaria/Skullcap

Scutellaria Baicalensis / Chinese Skullcap

Cautions
Dosing
Integrative
Programs
More
Information

BCCT plans to write a summary on scutellaria/skullcap. While our summary is in development, you can visit About Herbs: Scutellaria baicalensis

Two different kinds of skullcap are used in cancer care. A description of the other, Scutellaria barbata, can be found at About Herbs: Scutellaria barbata.

Before using this therapy, consult your oncology team about interactions with other treatments and therapies. Also make sure this therapy is safe for use with any other medical conditions you may have.

Cautions

The About Herbs summary of Chinese Skullcap lists several adverse reactions and herb-drug interactions. Read the summary for more information.

In low doses, the extracted compound baicalin can increase angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels to supply tumors), leading to increased tumor proliferation, whereas high doses inhibited angiogenesis. Baicalein, another compound of skullcap, only suppressed angiogenesis.¹ In BCCT’s opinion, working with a healthcare professional who is skilled in the use and monitoring of this herb in people with cancer is essential for use.

Dosing

BCCT does not recommend therapies or doses, but only provides information for patients and providers to consider as part of a complete treatment plan. Patients should discuss therapies with their physicians, as contraindications, interactions and side effects must be evaluated.

Dosage recommendations are available from these sources:

• Solutions 4 Health: Endometrial Cancer Wellness Plan
• Block KI. Life over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment. New York: Bantam Dell. 2009.
• McKinney N. Naturopathic Oncology, 3rd Edition. Victoria, BC, Canada: Liaison Press. 2016.
• TRC Natural Medicines: Chinese Skullcap (subscription required)

Integrative Programs, Protocols and Medical Systems

• Programs and protocols
• Block program²
  • Broad spectrum terrain support
  • Prehab to reduce inflammation
• Lemole, Mehta & McKee protocol for endometrial cancer³
• McKinney protocols⁴
  • Brain cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Increase white blood count
• Traditional systems
  • Traditional Chinese medicine

1. Zhu D, Wang S, et al.Dose-dependent dual effect of baicalin and herb Huang Qin extract on angiogenesis. PLoS One. 2016 Nov 30;11(11):e0167125.
2. Block KI. Life over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment. New York: Bantam Dell. 2009.
3. Lemole G, Mehta P, McKee D. After Cancer Care: The Definitive Self-Care Guide to Getting and Staying Well for Patients with Cancer. New York, New York: Rodale, Inc. 2015.
4. McKinney N. Naturopathic Oncology, 3rd Edition. Victoria, BC, Canada: Liaison Press. 2016.

View All References

More Information

• TRC Natural Medicines: Chinese Skullcap (subscription required): in-depth information, ratings of effectiveness and safety and evaluation of specific Chinese Skullcap products
• ClinicalTrials.gov: studies involving Chinese skullcap
• Gurdev Parmar and Tina Kaczor: Textbook of Naturopathic Oncology
• Donald I. Abrams, MD, and Andrew T. Weil, MD: Integrative Oncology, 2nd Edition
• Keith I. Block, MD: Life over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: About Herbs, Botanicals and Other Products
• American Botanical Council: HerbMed
• Lone Star Medical Group: Natural Alternative Treatments