Single Herb Glossary

Huáng Qín 黃芩

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)

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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.