''Scutellaria'' is a genus of

flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. They include all forbs (flowering plants without a woody stem), grasses and grass-like plants, a vast majority of ...

s in the

mint MiNT is Now TOS (MiNT) is a free software alternative operating system kernel for the Atari ST system and its successors. It is a multi-tasking alternative to TOS and MagiC. Together with the free system components fVDI device drivers, XaAE ...

family,

Lamiaceae The Lamiaceae ( ) or Labiatae are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint, deadnettle or sage family. Many of the plants are aromatic in all parts and include widely used culinary herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, sage, savo ...

. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the

Latin Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power ...

''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",''Scutellaria parvula'' var. ''missouriensis''.
Robert W. Freckmann Herbarium. University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. or "little dish", referring to the shape of the

calyx Calyx or calyce (plural "calyces"), from the Latin ''calix'' which itself comes from the Ancient Greek ''κάλυξ'' (''kálux'') meaning "husk" or "pod", may refer to: Biology * Calyx (anatomy), collective name for several cup-like structures ...

. The common name alludes to the resemblance of the same structure to "miniature

medieval helmets In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the late 5th to the late 15th centuries, similar to the post-classical period of global history. It began with the fall of the Western Roman Empire a ...

". The genus has a subcosmopolitan distribution,Ulloa, C. U. and P. M. Jørgensen
''Scutellaria''.
''Árboles y arbustos de los Andes del Ecuador''. eFloras. with species occurring nearly worldwide, mainly in

temperate In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout t ...

regions.''Scutellaria''.
The Jepson eFlora 2013.

Description

Most Scutellaria are

annual Annual may refer to: * Annual publication, periodical publications appearing regularly once per year **Yearbook **Literary annual * Annual plant *Annual report *Annual giving *Annual, Morocco, a settlement in northeastern Morocco *Annuals (band), ...

perennial A perennial plant or simply perennial is a plant that lives more than two years. The term ('' per-'' + '' -ennial'', "through the years") is often used to differentiate a plant from shorter-lived annuals and biennials. The term is also wide ...

herbaceous plant Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition ...

s from tall, however a few are

subshrub A subshrub ( Latin ''suffrutex'') or dwarf shrub is a short shrub, and is a woody plant. Prostrate shrub is a related term. "Subshrub" is often used interchangeably with "bush".Jackson, Benjamin, Daydon; A Glossary of Botanic Terms with their ...

s. Some Scutellaria are aquatic. Scutellaria have four-angled stems and opposite leaves, and flowers with upper and lower lips. The genus is most easily recognized by the typical shield on the calyx that has also prompted its common name.

Traditional use

Skullcaps are used in

traditional medicine Traditional medicine (also known as indigenous medicine or folk medicine) comprises medical aspects of traditional knowledge that developed over generations within the folk beliefs of various societies, including indigenous peoples, before th ...

, such as in

traditional Chinese medicine Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an alternative medicine, alternative medical practice drawn from traditional medicine in China. It has been described as "fraught with pseudoscience", with the majority of its treatments having no logica ...

. The root of ''

Scutellaria baicalensis ''Scutellaria baicalensis'', with the common name Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap, is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae. Distribution The plant is native to China, Korea, Mongolia, and Russia in the Russian Far East and S ...

'' a common component of many preparations is marketed in volumes that have led to the

overexploitation Overexploitation, also called overharvesting, refers to harvesting a renewable resource to the point of diminishing returns. Continued overexploitation can lead to the destruction of the resource, as it will be unable to replenish. The term ap ...

of the wild plant. Its rarity has led to an increase in price, and encouraged the adulteration of the product with other species of ''Scutellaria''. In 1773, ''

Scutellaria lateriflora ''Scutellaria lateriflora'', (commonly "blue skullcap", "mad dog skullcap",rabies Rabies is a viral disease that causes encephalitis in humans and other mammals. Early symptoms can include fever and tingling at the site of exposure. These symptoms are followed by one or more of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, vio ...

. Today it is still a popular medicinal herb. It is widely available as a commercial product used in western herbalism. The plant reportedly commands prices of $16 to $64 per pound dry weight.

Constituents

The main compounds in skullcap are

flavonoid Flavonoids (or bioflavonoids; from the Latin word ''flavus'', meaning yellow, their color in nature) are a class of polyphenolic secondary metabolites found in plants, and thus commonly consumed in the diets of humans. Chemically, flavonoids ...

s. Isolated chemical compounds include

wogonin Wogonin is an O-methylated flavone, a flavonoid-like chemical compound which is found in '' Scutellaria baicalensis''. The glycosides of wogonin are known as wogonosides. For example, oroxindin is a wogonin glucuronide isolated from ''Oroxylu ...

wogonoside Wogonin is an O-methylated flavone, a flavonoid-like chemical compound which is found in '' Scutellaria baicalensis''. The glycosides of wogonin are known as wogonosides. For example, oroxindin is a wogonin glucuronide isolated from ''Oroxylu ...

, and 3,5,7,2',6'-pentahydroxyl flavanone found in ''Scutellaria''. Other constituents include

baicalin As baicalin is a flavone glycoside, it is a flavonoid. It is the glucuronide of baicalein. Natural occurrences Baicalin is found in several species in the genus ''Scutellaria'', including '' Scutellaria baicalensis'', and '' Scutellaria late ...

apigenin Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone), found in many plants, is a natural product belonging to the flavone class that is the aglycone of several naturally occurring glycosides. It is a yellow crystalline solid that has been used to dye wool. ...

oroxylin A Oroxylin A is an O-methylated flavone, a chemical compound that can be found in the medicinal plants ''Scutellaria baicalensis'' and ''Scutellaria lateriflora'', and the ''Oroxylum indicum'' tree. It has demonstrated activity as a dopamine reuptak ...

, and

scutellarein Scutellarein is a flavone that can be found in '' Scutellaria lateriflora'' and other members of the genus '' Scutellaria'', as well as the fern '' Asplenium belangeri''. Glycosides The scutellarin Scutellarin is a flavone, a type of phenolic ...

Selected species

Estimates of the number of species in the genus range from around 300 to about 350''Scutellaria''.
Flora of China. or 360 to 470. Selected species include: *''

Scutellaria alabamensis ''Scutellaria alabamensis'', known as Alabama skullcap, is a rare and endangered wildflower, endemic only to 9 counties in North central Alabama. Description Alabama skullcap is an erect perennial herb A perennial plant or simply perenni ...

'' – Alabama skullcap *''

Scutellaria albida ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria alborosea ''Scutellaria alborosea'' is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae The Lamiaceae ( ) or Labiatae are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint, deadnettle or sage family. Many of the plants are aromatic in ...

Lem. Charles Antoine Lemaire (1 November 1800, in Paris – 22 June 1871, in Paris), was a French botanist and botanical author, noted for his publications on Cactaceae. Education Born the son of Antoine Charles Lemaire and Marie Jeanne Davio, he h ...

*''

Scutellaria alpina ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",L. – alpine skullcap *'' Scutellaria altamaha'' – pineland skullcap *''

Scutellaria altissima ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the Mentha, mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",

'' L. – Somerset skullcap, tall skullcap *''

Scutellaria amoena ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria anatolica ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria angustifolia'' – narrowleaf skullcap *''

Scutellaria antirrhinoides ''Scutellaria antirrhinoides'' is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common names nose skullcap and snapdragon skullcap. It is native to the western United States, where it grows in forests, woodlands, and open, rock ...

Benth. George Bentham (22 September 1800 – 10 September 1884) was an English botanist, described by the weed botanist Duane Isely as "the premier systematic botanist of the nineteenth century". Born into a distinguished family, he initially studie ...

– nose skullcap *''

Scutellaria arenicola ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the Mentha, mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",

'' – Florida scrub skullcap *'' Scutellaria arguta'' – Blue Ridge skullcap *'' Scutellaria atriplicifolia'' *'' Scutellaria aurata'' *''

'' Georgi – Baikal skullcap, Chinese skullcap *''

Scutellaria barbata ''Scutellaria barbata'', the barbed skullcap, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Asia.

'' D.Don – barbed skullcap *''

Scutellaria bolanderi ''Scutellaria bolanderi'' is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name Sierra skullcap. It is endemic to California, where it is known from the Sierra Nevada and several of the mountain ranges to the south. It is ...

A.Gray Asa Gray (November 18, 1810 – January 30, 1888) is considered the most important American botanist of the 19th century. His '' Darwiniana'' was considered an important explanation of how religion and science were not necessarily mutually exc ...

– Sierra skullcap *''

Scutellaria brachyspica ''Scutellaria brachyspica'' is a species of flowering plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is endemic to Japan, where it is found on the islands of Honshu (south of Miyagi Prefecture) and Shikoku.Scutellaria brittonii'' – Britton's skullcap *''

Scutellaria bushii ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria caerulea'' – blue skullcap *''

Scutellaria californica ''Scutellaria californica'', the California skullcap, is a species of plant endemic to California. It is found in the scrub and low elevation mountains of Northern California. It is a small plant growing up to half a meter high, bearing small, ...

'' A.Gray – California skullcap *''

Scutellaria cardiophylla ''Scutellaria cardiophylla'', known as gulf skullcap and heartleaf skullcap, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. It is native to Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma; it is considered a rare/imperiled species across most of ...

'' – gulf skullcap *''

Scutellaria columnae ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria costaricana''

H.Wendl. Hermann Wendland (October 11, 1825 in Herrenhausen – January 12, 1903 in Hanover) was a German botanist and gardener. He was a noted authority on the family Arecaceae (palms), on which he published a major monograph which formed the basis for t ...

– scarlet skullcap, Costa Rican skullcap *'' Scutellaria drummondii'' – Drummond's skullcap *'' Scutellaria elliptica'' Muhl. – hairy skullcap *'' Scutellaria floridana'' Chapm. – Florida skullcap *''

Scutellaria formosana ''Scutellaria formosana'' (蓝花黄芩, ''lan hua huang qin'') is a plant species endemic to the Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Jiangxi, and Yunnan provinces in China China, officially the People's Republic of China (PRC), i ...

'' *''

Scutellaria galericulata ''Scutellaria galericulata'', the common skullcap, marsh skullcap or hooded skullcap, is a hardy perennial herb native to northern areas of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and almost all of Canada. It is a member of the mint fami ...

'' L. – common skullcap, marsh skullcap *'' Scutellaria glabriuscula'' – Georgia skullcap *''

Scutellaria hastifolia ''Scutellaria hastifolia'' is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae The Lamiaceae ( ) or Labiatae are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint, deadnettle or sage family. Many of the plants are aromat ...

'' – spear-leaved skullcap *'' Scutellaria havanensis'' – Havana skullcap *'' Scutellaria hirta'' *'' Scutellaria hookeri'' *'' Scutellaria humilis'' *''

Scutellaria incana ''Scutellaria incana'', the hoary skullcap or downy skullcap, is a flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae (mint family) and is native to North America. It is a perennial flowering plant and is primarily found in the eastern United States as w ...

'' Biehler – downy skullcap, hoary skullcap *''

Scutellaria incarnata ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria indica ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria integrifolia'' L. – helmet flower *''

Scutellaria laevis ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria lateriflora ''Scutellaria lateriflora'', (commonly "blue skullcap", "mad dog skullcap",Scutellaria longifolia'' Benth. *'' Scutellaria longituba'' *''

Scutellaria meehanioides ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria mexicana'' *'' Scutellaria microphylla'' – littleleaf skullcap *'' Scutellaria minor'' Huds. – lesser skullcap *''

Scutellaria montana ''Scutellaria montana'', with the common names largeflower skullcap, large-flowered skullcap and mountain skullcap, is an perennial forb first described by Alvan Chapman in 1878. This narrowly endemic species is found in the southeastern Unite ...

'' Chapm. – mountain skullcap, large-flowered skullcap *''

Scutellaria multiglandulosa Scutellaria multiglandulosa is a flowering plant in the genus ''Scutellaria''and family Lamiaceae The Lamiaceae ( ) or Labiatae are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint, deadnettle or sage family. Many of the plants are ar ...

'' – Small's skullcap *'' Scutellaria muriculata'' – Rio Grande skullcap *''

Scutellaria nana ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria nervosa ''Scutellaria nervosa'', commonly known as the veiny skullcap, is a flowering plant in the mint family. It is native to the eastern United States where it is primarily found in the Ohio River drainage of the Midwest and Upper South. It is primar ...

'' – veiny skullcap *'' Scutellaria novae-zelandaie'' *''

Scutellaria ocmulgee ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the Mentha, mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",

'' – Ocmulgee skullcap *''

Scutellaria orientalis ''Scutellaria orientalis'', also known as yellow-flowered skull cap or yellow helmet flower, is a species of alpine rhizomatous perennial belonging to the genus ''Scutellaria'', and classified under the family Lamiaceae. Description The deciduo ...

'' *''

Scutellaria ovata ''Scutellaria ovata'', commonly known as the heartleaf skullcap, is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its range in the United States is from Minnesota to Florida, and from Texas to the Atlantic coast. It is also native to Mexico. Desc ...

'' Hill – heart-leaved skullcap *'' Scutellaria parvula'' Michx. – small skullcap *''

Scutellaria pekinensis ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the Mentha, mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",

'' *''

Scutellaria potosina ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria pseudoserrata'' – falseteeth skullcap *''

Scutellaria purpurascens ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria racemosa'' – South American skullcap *'' Scutellaria rehderiana'' *''

Scutellaria resinosa ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria rubicunda ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria sapphirina ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria sarmentosa ''Scutellaria sarmentosa'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Lamiaceae The Lamiaceae ( ) or Labiatae are a family of flowering plants commonly known as the mint, deadnettle or sage family. Many of the plants are aromatic in all ...

'' *'' Scutellaria saxatilis'' – smooth rock skullcap *''

Scutellaria serboana ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria serrata ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria siphocampyloides'' – grayleaf skullcap *''

Scutellaria splendens ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria strigillosa'' *''

Scutellaria suffrutescens ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria texana'' – Texas skullcap *'' Scutellaria thieretii'' – Thieret's skullcap *''

Scutellaria tuberosa ''Scutellaria tuberosa'' is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name Danny's skullcap. It is native to western North America from Oregon through California to Baja California, where it is widespread throughout ...

'' Benth. – Danny's skullcap *'' Scutellaria utriculata'' *''

Scutellaria ventenatii ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria violacea ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria viscidula ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Scutellaria wrightii ''Scutellaria'' is a genus of flowering plants in the mint family, Lamiaceae. They are known commonly as skullcaps. The generic name is derived from the Latin ''scutella'', meaning "a small dish, tray or platter",Piper methysticum Kava or kava kava (''Piper (genus), Piper methysticum'': Latin 'pepper' and Latinized Ancient Greek, Greek 'intoxicating') is a crop of the Pacific Islands. The name ''kava'' is from Tongan language, Tongan and Marquesan language, Marquesan, me ...

'' (kava), another anxiolytic

GABAergic In molecular biology and physiology, something is GABAergic or GABAnergic if it pertains to or affects the neurotransmitter GABA. For example, a synapse is GABAergic if it uses GABA as its neurotransmitter, and a GABAergic neuron produces GABA. A ...

plant *''

Valeriana officinalis Valerian (''Valeriana officinalis'', Caprifoliaceae) is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. In the summer when the mature plant may have a height of , it bears sweetly scented pink or white flowers that attract many fly specie ...

'' ( valerian), a sedative GABAergic plant *''

Chaenomeles speciosa ''Chaenomeles speciosa'', the flowering quince, Chinese quince, or Japanese quinceBailey, L.H.; Bailey, E.Z.; the staff of the Liberty Hyde Bailey Hortorium. 1976. ''Hortus third: A concise dictionary of plants cultivated in the United States ...

'', also contains a constituent that acts as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor

References

External links

* * *
''Scutellaria'' images.
MorphBank. {{Taxonbar, from=Q156764 Lamiaceae genera Medicinal plants Anxiolytics Dopamine reuptake inhibitors GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus