Baicalin Supplement

A baicalin supplement is a polyphenolic compound and flavone, part of the large family of flavonoids. Isolated from various species of the plant scutellaria, it has historically been used in Chinese herbal medicine — where it is known as Huang-chin (Scutellaria baicalensis) — either on its own, or combined with other herbs such as in Sho-Saiko-Ti, a well-known liver cleanser.

Baicalin Benefits

Nowadays, baicalin, also known as Chinese skullcap, is the subject of greater scientific interest for its ability to inhibit prolyl endopeptidase and for its effects on GABA receptors, which explains its various areas of activity and potential uses. There are three main Chinese skullcap benefits.

Improves sleep

Its calming, relaxing and rebalancing properties are comparable with those of L-theanine. In fact, at precise doses, baicalin can be taken in conjunction with these substances. Research shows baicalin has a positive effect on all sleep-related problems and is a good alternative to today’s over-prescribed sleeping tablets and benzodiazepines. It has anxiolytic properties but without inducing a sedative effect.

It can be used in isolation, where its activity is similar to that of GABA, or Pharma GABA, but in those with long-term insomnia, it can also be combined with low-dose melatonin or magnolia extract, with which it shares certain antioxidant properties.

Reduces Inflammation

Studies indicate baicalin has an anti-inflammatory effect on joints, and supplementation can help relieve arthritic joints, such as the hips and knees (gonarthrosis). It is an excellent substitute for conventional pain-relieving drugs, which are known to have significant and cumulative side-effects.

Baicalin supplements can also help reduce inflammation in bronchial complaints, as well as allergies that affect the sinuses, which promotes easier deeper breathing.

Delays the Effects of Aging

Studies show baicalin delays certain processes associated with aging through its effects on cellular energy. We know that a cell divides approximately five times before dying and that, as recent studies show, this cell death is linked to telomere length. If a cell does not receive nutritional or other elements, it will enter a state of senescence before dying via apoptosis (programmed cell-death). Because of this, we can see how in older people, internal organ function declines due to inadequate energy supply.

Baicalin has been shown to be effective at preventing such processes, and therefore extending the life of various vital organs. A number of treatment protocols have been established by doctors and physiotherapists to ensure the maximum benefit from these properties.

Additional Benefits of Taking Baicalin Capsules

.In addition to those skullcap supplement benefits, you may experience the following:

• A liver-detoxifying effect, particularly on bile ducts
• A cardiovascular-protective effect through its anti-atherogenic and anti-hypertensive properties
• An anti-toxin, anti-tumor effect in diagnosed cancers or in conditions that predispose to cancer
• Significant antiviral properties, particularly against the mosquito-borne dengue virus, which is prevalent in Central America and Asia. A study was conducted in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, showed its inhibitory effect in vitro on DENV-2 and its replication, representing a first in a field that still lacks a therapeutic response. Other studies suggest that Scutellaria baicalensis flavones may have antiviral efficacy against type 1 herpes simplex virus or human cytomegalovirus
• A possible effect against alopecia through its action on hair follicles. To date, only topical application of a baicalin solution has been tested but it is theorized to confer an anti-androgenic effect via one of its ingredients, a protein called TERC, which protects against aging and erosion of dermal tissues, and enables keratin to be produced

Now that you understand all the advantages of a high-quality Scutellaria baicalensis supplement, you can see there are many baicalin uses that may apply to you. Consider taking baicalin for hair growth, baicalin for anxiety and as a sleep aid and even baicalin for skin benefits.

Baicalin Dosage

There are no major side effects when taking a Scutellaria baicalin supplement. However, it’s always recommended to do your own research before starting any new supplement regimen.

Whether you’re taking baicalin as a sleep aid, baicalin for hair loss or baicalin for skin care, we recommend taking two Chinese skullcap capsules, totaling 500 mg of baicalin, daily.

However, if you are going to undergo general anesthesia for an operation, you may want to stop taking the skullcap supplement for a week afterward. Additionally, you should always consult with a healthcare professional before you start taking a Chinese skullcap supplement. And while the baicalin supplement benefits outweigh the risks, some people may be unable to take Chinese skullcap supplements.

In addition, you may want to adjust your baicalin antioxidant dose if you drink teas that contain skullcap. These are sometimes blended with other herbs, such as lemon balm. Because skullcap teas are less concentrated than supplements, it’s difficult to get enough through drinking them alone.

You may also use a tincture that contains skullcap, especially if you are looking to consume baicalin for skin conditions. When you add a tincture to your regimen, make sure you adjust the dose of your supplement to account for the concentration and ingredients of the topical formula you are taking.

1. Chang HH, Yi PL, Cheng CH, et al. Biphasic effects of baicalin, an active constituent of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, in the spontaneous sleep-wake regulation. J Ethnopharmacol. 2011;135(2):359-368. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.03.023
2. Li BQ, Fu T, Gong WH, et al. The flavonoid baicalin exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by binding to chemokines. Immunopharmacology. 2000;49(3):295-306. doi:10.1016/s0162-3109(00)00244-7
3. de Oliveira MR, Nabavi SF, Habtemariam S, Erdogan Orhan I, Daglia M, Nabavi SM. The effects of baicalein and baicalin on mitochondrial function and dynamics: A review. Pharmacol Res. 2015;100:296-308. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2015.08.021
4. Yang J, Xiang D, Xiang D, et al. Baicalin Protects Against 17α-Ethinylestradiol-Induced Cholestasis via the Sirtuin 1/Hepatic Nuclear Receptor-1α/Farnesoid X Receptor Pathway. Front Pharmacol. 2020;10:1685. Published 2020 Feb 11. doi:10.3389/fphar.2019.01685
5. Huang Y, Tsang SY, Yao X, Chen ZY. Biological properties of baicalein in cardiovascular system. Curr Drug Targets Cardiovasc Haematol Disord. 2005;5(2):177-184. doi:10.2174/1568006043586206
6. Liu H, Dong Y, Gao Y, et al. The Fascinating Effects of Baicalein on Cancer: A Review. Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(10):1681. Published 2016 Oct 9. doi:10.3390/ijms17101681
7. Moghaddam E, Teoh BT, Sam SS, et al. Baicalin, a metabolite of baicalein with antiviral activity against dengue virus. Sci Rep. 2014;4:5452. Published 2014 Jun 26. doi:10.1038/srep05452
8. Xing F, Yi WJ, Miao F, Su MY, Lei TC. Baicalin increases hair follicle development by increasing canonical Wnt/β‑catenin signaling and activating dermal papillar cells in mice. Int J Mol Med. 2018;41(4):2079-2085. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2018.3391