Skullcap (American)
Commonly used for
SleepFocusAnxiety
Where to Buy
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
What is it? / Overview
American skullcap has traditionally been used as a calming herb and may produce mild anxiolytic effects through modulation of GABA receptors. Human clinical evidence remains sparse, relying largely on traditional use and preliminary studies rather than robust randomized trials.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Standardized Scutellaria lateriflora extract
Typical dose studied: 350–1,000 mg/day, extract-dependent
Timing: Evening or divided into two daily doses
Human evidence limited compared with kava. Purchase only third-party tested products to reduce adulteration risk.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: End-stage liver disease / Cirrhosis; Breastfeeding
Interacts with: Sedatives; Alcohol; Benzodiazepines
Already taking it? Use only products from reputable manufacturers due to historical adulteration concerns.
Research & references
Brock C et al. (2014). American skullcap and mood RCT crossover study. Phytotherapy Research. Sarris J. (2018). Herbal medicines in psychiatric disorders update. Phytotherapy Research. Hazra S, Singh PA. (2024). Safety aspects of herb interactions. Current Drug Metabolism.
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