Skullcap And Your Health
Skull cap refers to a group of herbs that belong to the mint family, two of which are known for their long association with herbal medicine. Scutellaria lateriflora, the plant species native to North America, is believed to produce soothing effects on the nervous system, and thus widely used to relieve anxiety and convulsions. Scutellaria baicalensis , or Chinese skull cap, have been tied to many different studies, including those that investigate its efficacy in lowering cholesterol and alleviating illnesses induced by inflammation. Knowing what you need these herbal remedies for is a must as the two do not share the same medicinal properties.
Improves Memory Impairment
The recent discovery of an organic compound called oroxylin A appears to support the age-old medicinal claims for American skullcap, the herb associated with disorders of the nervous system. Oroxylin A is an antioxidant naturally occurring in the roots of Scutellaria lateriflora, and research in the past few years have tied it to Alzheimer’s disease, nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, and epilepsy. It has been observed that skullcap act on a brain chemical called amyloid beta, which is identified to be responsible for the formation of plaques characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists are positive that organic compounds in skullcap may well be a viable treatment for memory impairment.
Skullcap To Fight Carcinogens
Counters Carcinogenic Tissues
Chinese skullcap contain a diverse variety of phytochemicals that have been isolated lately. One of these phytochemicals called beta-elemene is thought to possess antitumor properties that seem to inhibit the progression of cancer in vitro. It is an adjuvant believed to enhance the positive effects of chemopreventative drugs, and as such now in use in conjunction with conventional medical treatment of lung cancer, especially in China. The formulation named PC-SPES contains a unique combination of herbs, including skull cap, which exerts cytotoxic effects on prostate cancer cells in animal studies.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Scutellaria baicalensis has been cited to influence the productions of lipoproteins in the liver, the primary transports of cholesterol in the water-based bloodstream. Low-density lipoproteins, or LDL, contain high amounts of triglycerides, which may travel inside the blood vessels as free fatty acids, largely contributing to the formation of arterial plaques that lead to cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, high-density lipoproteins, or HDL, are richer in protein than fats and in general an indicator of healthy cholesterol levels, earning the moniker good cholesterol. Chinese skullcap promotes the production of HDL, and in the process lower overall cholesterol levels.
Displays Anti-inflammatory Effects
Skullcap is best known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It has long been used as an herbal remedy for many inflammation-induced diseases, such as arthritis, hepatitis, and muscles spasms among others. There have been numerous mentions of its alleged influence on eicosanoid cascades directly involved in inflammatory responses of the immune system. Chinese skullcap in particular have been noted to affect releases of histamine, an organic nitrogen compound believed to be involved in autoimmune disorders such as allergies, asthma, and hay fever.
Skullcap
This wonderful herb can relax and calm inflammation making it an ideal for those looking to help their body fight against uncontrolled inflammation. You can not go wrong with Skullcap.