Botanical Overview
Scutellaria barbata, commonly known as Barbed Skullcap or Ban Zhi Lian, is a member of the Lamiaceae family. It is native to East Asia including China and Taiwan. The medicinal parts primarily include the whole plant or aerial parts, commonly utilized in traditional Chinese medicine.
Energetics
The herb has a cooling temperature and moistening nature. It tastes bitter and has a descending directionality. It is generally relaxing in tonicity and is associated with the movement of qi and blood in the body.
Primary Actions
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anticancer
- Antioxidant
- Antiviral
- Diuretic
- Detoxifying
- Lymphatic tonic
Indications
Western
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Pain
- Fever
- Skin lesions
- Tumors
- Edema
Syndromes
- Chronic hepatitis
- Cancer (adjunct therapy)
- Chronic infections
- Inflammatory disorders
TCM
- Heat toxins
- Blood stasis
- Swelling and pain
- Ulcers
- Damp-heat
- Masses and lumps
Syndromes
- Heat-toxin syndrome
- Blood stasis
- Damp-heat accumulation
- Carcinoma adjunct
Ayurveda
No specific traditional indications documented.
Unani
No specific traditional indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Rich in flavonoids such as baicalein, wogonin, and scutellarin, along with alkaloids, polysaccharides, and phenolic acids, these constituents contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, and anticancer properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 9-15 g dried aerial parts daily
- Extracts standardized for flavonoids: 200-400 mg daily
- Tincture 1:5 alcohol 30-50%: 2-5 mL, 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally regarded as safe when used appropriately. However, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Caution is advised when used concomitantly with immunosuppressants or anticancer drugs. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur in sensitive individuals.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliable traditional or modern sources were found to assign planetary or elemental rulers to Scutellaria barbata.
Selected References
- Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, 2020 edition
- Phytochemical and pharmacological characterization of Scutellaria barbata D. Don: a medicinal herb used in China (Zhou et al., 2018)
- Pharmacological activities and chemical constituents of Scutellaria barbata D.Don (Li et al., 2017)
- World Health Organization Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants (WHO, 2007)