Scutellaria baicalensis Root Identity & Part
The botanical entity is Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a perennial of the mint family, Lamiaceae, with blue-purple flowers. The part used is the root, which is dug, peeled of its outer layer and dried before extraction. Stems, leaves and flowers are not added to this scutellaria baicalensis extract.
Two other skullcaps are often confused with it. Scutellaria barbata is a small whole-plant herb with its own extract, and Scutellaria lateriflora, the American skullcap, is used as aerial parts. A specification that says only “skullcap” therefore does not identify the plant. The root contains the flavones baicalin, wogonoside and their aglycones baicalein and wogonin, and the dried root turns greenish when handled damp because baicalein oxidizes.












