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Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is a Chinese herbal medicine valued for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Traditionally it has been used to treat respiratory infections, fever, gastrointestinal infections, and liver problems. Today, some attention has been focused on its use in prostate cancer.
A New York University study explored the anticancer activity of skullcap in two human prostate cancer cell lines, one androgen dependent and one androgen independent. Baikal skullcap inhibited cancer cell growth in both cell lines, and animal studies also demonstrated a 50 percent reduction in tumor volume after 7 weeks of treatment with skullcap. The authors concluded that S. baicalensis may be a new anticancer agent for treating prostate cancer. (Ye 2007)
In a study conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle, the researchers identified four compounds in the herb capable of inhibiting prostate cancer cell proliferation: baicalein, wogonin, neobaicalein, and skullcapflavone. They also determined that these four constituents function via inhibition of a specific pathway, and that their findings warrant further investigation into these agents and their possible use in treating prostate cancer. (Bonham 2005)
Baikal skullcap supplements may cause drowsiness, and in people who have diabetes it may affect blood sugar levels. (WebMD) Consult your healthcare provider before taking skullcap supplements.
References
Bonham M et al. Characterization of chemical constituents in Scutellaria baicalensis with antiandrogenic and growth-inhibitory activities toward prostate carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2005 May 15; 11(10): 3905-12
Ye F et al. Molecular mechanism of anti-prostate cancer activity of Scutellaria baicalensis extract. Nutr Cancer 2007; 57(1): 100-10
