The risk of Scutellaria baicalensis to the liver is not clear, and its standardized use in accordance with medical advice does not usually cause liver damage.
The Pharmacopoeia does not specify the adverse effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, and there is no relevant literature or research evidence that Scutellaria baicalensis is harmful to the liver. Strictly following the dosage and under the supervision of a doctor will not cause liver damage. Scutellaria baicalensis is contraindicated in people with loose stools (thin, unformed feces) and weak and cold spleens and stomachs.
Scutellaria baicalensis has a bitter flavor and is cold in nature. It belongs to the Lung, Gallbladder, Spleen, Large Intestine and Small Intestine meridians. It has the effects of diarrhea and detoxification, clearing heat and drying dampness, tranquilizing the fetus, and stopping bleeding. It is used in treating damp-heat plumpness (stomach distension and discomfort), chest congestion and vomiting, jaundice, diarrhea, high fever and thirst, coughing due to lung-heat, epistaxis due to blood-heat (vomiting blood and nosebleed due to blood-heat), and restlessness of fetus.
Patients with discomfort are advised to seek prompt medical consultation and should not self-medicate to avoid delaying the condition.