SCUTELLARIA

COMMON NAME: Scutellaria

LATIN NAME: Scutellaria Baicalensis

CHINESE NAME: Huang Qin

ORIGIN: Asia

HABITAT: In nature Scutellaria is distributed near Lake Baikal, in Eastern Siberia, the Far East, Japan, China, Mongolia and Manchuria. It usually grows on sandy soils, rocky mountain slopes, prefers to grow in the steppes, sometimes can be found along the water shores. Do not confuse Scutellaria Baicalensis with Scutellaria Vulgaris, which is common almost everywhere.

BOTANICAL INFORMATION: Scutellaria Baicalensis is a well-known medicinal species of the genus Scutellaria, herbaceous perennials belonging to the family Lamiaceae or Labiatae. The genus Scutellaria has up to 460 species.

Scutellaria Baicalensis is a perennial herb, reaching a height of 35 cm. The plant has 5-6 erect, tetrahedral, slightly pubescent, branched stems. The rhizome is long (up to 50 cm), vertical, covered with deep grooves, with multiple vertical roots. Leaves are placed opposite to the stem. In June, the plant goes into the flowering phase. The flowers are large and form an inflorescence which is a one-sided brush. The fruit consists of four small spherical, slightly pubescent black nuts. The fruit ripens in August-September: at the slightest touch, the nuts shoot and disperse small seeds.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: The roots of Scutellaria Baicalensis contain vogonin, coumarins, steroids (stigmasterol, campesterol, b-sitosterol), tannins, more than 17 flavone glycosides (apigenin, scutellarein, luteolin, baikalin, etc.), pyrocatechins, oil, resin, ether isoflavones, glucuronic, kojic, vanillic acid, calcium, iron, potassium, copper, zinc, cobalt, iodine, selenium and other micro and macro elements.

INTERESTING FACTS:

The generic name of the plant comes from the Latin "scutum" - "shield". The specific name in translation from Latin is “baicalensus” - “Baikal”. This is a geographical term that refers to the region of Eastern Siberia, located near Lake Baikal.

The physician Li Shicheng described the properties of Scutellaria baicalensis in his work Materia Medica as early as in 1578.

Huang Qin extract is widely used in the cosmetic industry. Creams, tonics, masks, serums, whitening agents, various face and body skin care products based on this plant extract have an excellent effect on the skin condition, are suitable for treating problem skin.

*Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult with your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.