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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> Skullcap - Anyone tried?
        
(Message started by: jminmilwaukee on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 1:52pm)

Title: Skullcap - Anyone tried?
Post by jminmilwaukee on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 1:52pm

Anyone with skullcap experience out there? Looking for personal experience, side affect etc.

jmin

Title: Re: Skullcap - Anyone tried?
Post by floridian on Sep 23^rd, 2003, 6:26pm

I've not used this herb myself, but here is a quick rundown of some of the Pubmed literature on the genus Scutellaria. This plant has some interesting properties. Anyone try it?

Contains flavanoids that reduce inflammation, including supression of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-1beta. (All three actions probably beneficial in clusters - similar action from turmeric, etc).

Inhibits prostaglandin E-2.

Inhibits histamine release. Inhibits Immunoglobin E. (Good!) (IgE levels significantly higher in cluster heads than regular population.)

GABA / benzodiazepene activity. Flavo-compounds bind to GABA receptors. Reduces anxiety, but lacks the muscle relaxing and sedative properties of valium and other benzo drugs.

Serotonin properties - binds to HT7 receptors. (others??)

Blocks NMDA nerve receptors in a way compared to Magnesium. (NMDA possibly involved in pain transmission in clusters)

Various anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties.