American skullcap ( Scutellaria lateriflora ) : an ancient remedy for today ' s anxiety ?

Anxiety is a common but potentially serious disorder as it can lead to somatic and social dysfunction. Orthodox anxiolytics are associated with unpleasant side-effects and dependency. American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a popular herb in traditional medicine systems and the western materia medica for anxiety and related disorders. Preliminary clinical and in vitro research provides encouraging support for its potential as a safe, well-tolerated and effective alternative. Key points • Research has demonstrated the capacity of American skullcap’s flavonoids to bind to brain receptors implicated in modulation of anxiety • In one year up to one in six UK adults in the UK may suffer from an unexplained psychological disorder, the most common being anxiety • Anxiety and stress are common reasons for visits to herbal medicine practitioners. • An initial survey of UK and Ireland herbal medicine practitioners indicated American skullcap as their treatment of choice for anxiety and related disorders • Quality control of the raw herb and its commercial products is important.