Single Herb Glossary
Huáng Qín 黃芩
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| Pharmaceutical name | Scutellariae Radix Scutellaria baicalensis root baical slcullcap root, scute |
| Category | Clear Heat, Dry Dampness |
| Key Properties | Cools heat Dries dampness Stops bleeding Quiets the fetus in pregnancy |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | LU, ST, GB, LI(UJ) |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat & Dries Dampness (dysentery, carbuncle) 2) Clears Heat, Resolves Toxicity especially in UJ (LU Fire) 3) Clears Heat & Stops Bleeding (use charred) 4) Clears Heat & Calms the Fetus 5) Sedates Ascendant Liver Yang |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Cold from SP & ST Def; Blood Def w/ abd pain, edema due to Sp Def, loose stools from Kid Def, amenorrhea from Blood Def, unstable pregnancy from Xs Cold |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Baicalin, baicalein, wogonin, wogonoside, chrysin, oroxylin A, oroxylin-A-glucuronide, skullcapflavone I, II; tenaxin II, koganebanacin, 7-melhoxy-baicalein, 2,5,8-trihydroxy-7-dimefhoxyflarone |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: baicalin has wide-spectrum inhibitory effect against S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus dysenteriae, E. coli, Bordetella pertussis, Vibrio cholerae, Diplococcus meningitidis, leptospira and various species of dermatophytes and influenza viruses; most effective against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; effectiveness of standard antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin and cefotaxime can be potentiated with addition of baicalin (a flavone); addition of baicalin restored effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics against beta-lactam-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) • Anti-inflammatory: baicalin, baicalein, and extract of Huang Qin suppressed inflammation and swelling associated with allergic reactions in mice • Antipyretic: oral administration of decoction at 2 g/kg has marked effect to reduce temperature in rabbits with artificially-induced fever • Cholagogic and hepatoprotective: baicalin and baicalein stimulate production and excretion of bile acid in rabbits; baicalein has hepatoprotective effects • Antihypertensive: lowers blood pressure through dilation of blood vessels and inhibition of sympathetic nervous system • Others: mild sedative and diuretic effects |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Antibiotics: concurrent use of baicalin found to have synergistic antibiotic effect with beta-lactam antibiotics, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin and cefotaxime; addition of baicalin restored effectiveness of these drugs against beta-lactam-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.