Hybrid Skullcap

Botanical Overview

Hybrid Skullcap (Scutellaria churchilliana) is a species in the Lamiaceae family. The mint family (Lamiaceae) includes aromatic herbs and shrubs with square stems, opposite leaves, and two-lipped flowers. Many species produce essential oils in glandular trichomes on their leaves and stems. This family is one of the most important sources of culinary and medicinal herbs worldwide. Although comprehensive ethnobotanical records are limited, phytochemical studies have identified 12 compounds in this species, suggesting potential medicinal value.

Family Context

The Lamiaceae family is large and widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:

  • Basil — 86 documented uses
  • Rosemary — 60 documented uses
  • Agbo — 54 documented uses
  • Sage — 49 documented uses

Geographic Distribution

Hybrid Skullcap has been recorded in Canada, and United States.

Active Compounds

Phytochemical research has identified 12 compounds in this species, including a diverse array of phytochemical classes (see the Complete Chemical Inventory below for the full list).

The identified compounds include the following categories:

  • Alkaloid: nitrogenous compounds with diverse pharmacological activities
  • Tannin: astringent compounds that tighten tissues and resist infection

Research Status

Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Further ethnobotanical and pharmacological research may reveal additional therapeutic applications for this species.

ⓘ Information
Information on this page is compiled from Dr. Duke’s Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical Databases (USDA ARS), a public domain resource. Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal preparation.

Distribution and Conservation

Reported distribution: Canada, United States.

Complete Chemical Inventory

CompoundFormulaMW
1-OCTEN-3-OLC₈H₁₆O128.21 Da
ALPHA-HUMULENEC₁₅H₂₄204.35 Da
CARYOPHYLLENEC₁₅H₂₄204.35 Da
CARYOPHYLLENE-OXIDEC₁₅H₂₄O220.35 Da
DELTA-CADINENEC₁₅H₂₄204.35 Da
GERMACRENE-DC₁₅H₂₄204.35 Da
LIGNINC₁₈H₁₃N₃Na₂O₈S₂509.4 Da
LINALOLC₁₀H₁₈O154.25 Da
RESINC₁₅H₂₄204.35 Da
SCUTELLAREINC₁₅H₁₀O₆286.24 Da
SCUTELLARINC₂₁H₁₈O₁₂462.4 Da
TANNIN

Data from PubChem (NIH/NLM, public domain).


References & Further Reading

External Research Links

Data Sources