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Wogonin
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- Flavone, Phytochemical, [Group: Skullcap]
Baicalein appears to be well absorbed although it appears to be rapidly glucuronidated and the baicalein glucuronide is sent back into the lumen. Wogonin has similarly good absorption initially, and when baicalein is glucuornidation and effluxed it is not reabsorbed. Administration of the plant material as a decoction at 8 mL/kg (baicalin at 21.1 mg/mL, wogonoside at 1.88 mg/mL, baicalein at 9.72 mg/mL, wogonin at 8.22 mg/mL, and chrysin at 0.23 mg/mL) followed a bimodal absorption with a peak after 45 minutes (thought to be due to direct absorption) and then a lesser peak at 8-12 hours (possible related to colonic fermentation)*. -
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Wogonin is an O-methylated flavone, a flavonoid-like chemical compound which was found in Scutellaria baicalensis.
The glycosides of wogonin are known as wogonosides. For example, oroxindin is a wogonin glucuronide isolated from Oroxylum indicum. Sho-Saiko-To, a Japanese herbal supplement.
Wogonin has been found in one study to have anxiolytic properties in mice at doses of 7.5 to 30 mg/kg, without exhibiting the sedative and muscle-relaxing properties of benzodiazepines. Preliminary in vitro studies have shown pharmacological effects that indicate wogonin may have anti-tumor properties. Wogonin has also been found to possess anticonvulsant effects. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the benzodiazepine site of the GABAA receptor.
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The optimum doses, if any, of baicalin, wogonin, and baicalein have not been established. Chinese skullcap is typically taken at a dose of 3-9 grams daily as part of an herbal combination.
Note: Chinese skullcap is substantially different from American skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora). *
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Baicalin, wobogin, and baicalein appear to have a low order of toxicity, though comprehensive safety studies have not been performed. There have been case reports of liver injury associated with use of skullcap products, but these may have been due to adulteration by the herb germander.
One animal study found worrisome evidence that baicalin might markedly reduce the absorption of drug cyclosporine , used to prevent organ transplant rejection. Another study found that baicalin might reduce blood levels of drugs in the statin family , used to improve cholesterol profile. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Interactions You Should Know About
If you are taking:
- • Cyclosporine : Do not use Chinese skullcap or its constituents.
- • Cholesterol-lowering drugs in the statin family : Use of Chinese skullcap might reduce its effectiveness. *
2022-10-09