Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora L.: An American nervine

The efficacy and safety of herbal medicines are dependent upon the standards by which they are made and our knowledge base when prescribing them. Skullcap in particular is commonly associated with adulterations with other Scutellaria species as well as the potential hepatotoxic Teucrium spp. Additionally, while a staple among American and British herbalists, formal clinical studies regarding its use are lacking. The following botanical profile is excerpted from the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia® and Therapeutic Compendium.