Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Scullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a medicinal herb consumed primarily as a tea, tincture, or encapsulated powder rather than a conventional food source, so macronutrient contribution is negligible in typical therapeutic doses. Key bioactive compounds include: Flavonoids — baicalin (baicalein-7-glucuronide) at approximately 1.0–2.5% dry weight of aerial parts, baicalein (aglycone form), scutellarein, and wogonin, which are considered the primary pharmacologically active constituents responsible for GABAergic and anxiolytic activity. Iridoids — catalpol and related iridoid glycosides present at trace concentrations (<0.5% dry weight). Phenylpropanoids — acteoside (verbascoside) detected in some preparations. Essential oils — trace monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes including camphor and limonene at <0.1% concentration. Tannins — present at approximately 3–7% dry weight, contributing astringency. Minerals — moderate potassium (~200–400 mg/100g dry herb), calcium (~150–300 mg/100g dry herb), magnesium (~50–100 mg/100g dry herb), and trace iron and zinc. Vitamins — limited data; small amounts of vitamin C reported in fresh aerial parts (<10 mg/100g). Fiber — whole dried herb contains approximately 15–25% total dietary fiber, though this is largely irrelevant in tincture or extract forms. Bioavailability notes: Baicalin undergoes hydrolysis to baicalein in the gut by bacterial beta-glucuronidases, enhancing bioavailability of the active aglycone; oral bioavailability of baicalein is estimated at 20–35% with peak plasma levels at 1–2 hours post-ingestion. Fat-soluble flavonoid fractions show improved absorption when taken with food. Standardized extracts are typically normalized to 5–10% baicalin content.