Family: Labiatae
Genus: Scutellaria
Species: albida
(i) General background on the plant
A perennial rhizomatous herb growing to 40cm, more or less erect, usually unbranched. Stems are quadrangular, hollow and with short, appressed hairs (not glandular). Leaves are 2 - 3cm, triangular to deltate with crenate edges and having short soft hairs. Flowers are 10 - 16mm long, in pairs and are white. Internodes of inflorescence are approximately 10mm. Flower bracts are 10 - 12mm, ovate, entire and green. Fruits are ellipsoid nuts with 2 adjacent flat faces and one rounded surface, dark brown, slightly pitted, about 2mm long.
Scutellaria is native to North America but species are spread all over the world except South Africa. S.albida is found in south east Europe in rocky situations.
(ii) Details of quality characteristics
Skullcap contains scutellarin a flavonoid glycoside, and many other flavones. Also bitter iridoids (catalpol), volatile oils and waxes - mainly C31, C33 and C35 hydrocarbons, and tannins.
(iii) Current production and yields
Research into skullcap is needed. The Royal Danish School of Pharmacy is investigating propagation and breeding of Scutellaria albida.
(iv) Constraints upon production
Little research has been done.
(v) Markets and market potential
Skullcap is a sedative, a nervine tonic and antispasmodic. It is used mainly as a tonic and sedative for the nerves in times of stress. It is reported to help support and nourish the nervous system and in doing so, relieve stress and anxiety. Its antispasmodic properties are also considered useful where worry/anxiety cause muscular tension. It has a specific use in the treatment of seizure, hysteria and epilepsy.
S.baicalensis has been well researched and is strongly anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic in its action due to the significant levels of flavonoids. It may also help venous problems and fragile arteries.
(vi) Other information
Skullcap thrives on plenty of sunshine. Aerial parts of the plant are harvested in the summer when plants are 3 - 4 years old and in flower.
(vii) Contacts
Ulla Blicher-Mathiesen, Danish Directorate For
Development, Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries,
Tolbodgade 29, DK-1253 Copenhagen K, Denmark.
Tel: + 45 33 63 73 00; Fax: + 45 33 63 73 33
Email: ub@strukdir.dk
(viii) References
Tutin, T.G., Burgess, N.A., Chater, A.O., Edmondson, J.R., Heiwado, V.H., Moore, D.M., Valentine, D.H., Walters, S.M. and Webb D.A.. Flora Europe. Cambridge University Press.