Origin & tradition
Huang Qin (黄芩, Scutellaria baicalensis root) is one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese medicine, used for clearing heat and resolving dampness. It appears in classical formulas including Huang Lian Jie Du Tang.
Eastern tradition · Tonic Herbs
Baicalin (Huang Qin) 黄芩苷 / 黄芩
The bioactive of Huang Qin (Scute), a cornerstone TCM anti-inflammatory herb — studied for SIRT1, AMPK, and neuroinflammation pathways.
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Why longevity buyers care
Key active: Baicalin & baicalein (flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis root).
Baicalin activates AMPK, inhibits mTOR, and upregulates SIRT1 in multiple cell types. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and suppresses neuroinflammation via NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways. Chinese registry and small RCTs target metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and viral infections; longevity-specific human trials are emerging.
Effect summary
Studied health outcomes
Editorial summary — This table is curated by hand from published research consensus, not automatically calculated from our trial database. Grades reflect our interpretation of the literature. Treat as a starting point, not a definitive verdict. See the Evidence panel below for the underlying trial and paper counts sourced directly from ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed.
| Health outcome | Effect | Magnitude | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflammation markers (NF-κB) | Decreases | Minor | C |
| Anxiety / sedation | Decreases | Minor | C |
| Antioxidant markers | Increases | Minor | C |
| Blood glucose — Mostly animal and in vitro data | Decreases | Minor | D |
Grade: A = robust RCTs · B = several RCTs / meta-analysis · C = limited or mixed RCTs · D = observational or early data
Dosage guidance
How Baicalin (Huang Qin) is typically used
- Typical dose
- 100–500 mg/day extract
- Form
- capsule (Chinese skullcap / Scutellaria baicalensis extract)
- Timing
- any time, with meals
Baicalin is the primary flavonoid from Chinese skullcap (黄芩, huangqin). Do not confuse with American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) — different species. Human trial data is less extensive than for Western supplements.
Informational only — not a prescription or personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement or medication.
Evidence summary
What the research actually says
73Evidence confidence
Human RCT evidence30 randomized controlled trials · 39 meta-analyses / systematic reviews
Strong preclinical; human trials on metabolic and inflammatory endpoints
Baicalin activates AMPK, inhibits mTOR, and upregulates SIRT1 in multiple cell types. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and suppresses neuroinflammation via NF-κB and NLRP3 pathways. Chinese registry and small RCTs target metabolic syndrome, NAFLD, and viral infections; longevity-specific human trials are emerging.
35registered clinical trials reference this intervention
0selected peer-reviewed papers (longevity / aging angle)
Key active: Baicalin & baicalein (flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis root) — a multi-compound botanical extract, so activity is not reducible to a single molecule.
According to PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov: trial counts from ClinicalTrials.gov, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed. Counts auto-refresh weekly; last checked 2026-06-12. They include trials across many endpoints, not only longevity.
Informational only — not medical advice, a treatment claim, or a substitute for a qualified clinician. Evidence strength varies; we show mixed and null results on purpose.
Evidence collections
Baicalin (Huang Qin) appears in
Compare the evidence
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