Untitled Document
Although supplementing with skullcap may provide health benefits, it may not be appropriate for everyone and may cause serious side effects in certain cases.
For example, American and Chinese skullcap is associated with liver damage and even liver failure in some people. That said, these cases mostly involved supplements containing multiple herbs, not just skullcap.
Even so, people with conditions that impact liver function should avoid this plant altogether.
Chinese skullcap has also been associated with lung complications, and other types — including the American variety — may cause side effects like irregular heartbeat, tics, anxiety, drowsiness, and mental confusion in some people.
It should be noted that skullcap can interact with many common medications, such as blood thinners, cholesterol-lowering medications, cytochrome P450 substrate drugs, and pain killers.
Additionally, no type of skullcap is recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient safety information.
Furthermore, some supplements have been shown to contain adulterants. Others may harbor ingredients not listed on the label.
As with any supplement, use caution when purchasing skullcap. Rely on trusted companies that are certified by a third party or independent laboratory.
While different forms have been used since ancient times to treat a variety of ailments, human studies on its safety and effectiveness are lacking. Always consult your healthcare practitioner before taking any herbal supplement, including skullcap. *
