Health benefits of Bicolor Skullcap

Sylvia

10 months ago

Scutellaria discolor Colebr, commonly known as Bicolor Skullcap, is an attractive floral plant that is classified within the Lamiaceae mint family. It comprises approximately 300 species, all of which are referred to as skullcaps. The plant derives its common name from the resemblance of its sepal receptacles to medieval helmets. Particular regions in Asia are home to the plant, including Nepal, India, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. It is prevalent in upland regions such as Uttarakhand, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Himachal Pradesh. Likewise, it is primarily cultivated in districts including Dadeldhura, Baitadi, and Darchula in Nepal. Blue Skullcap, Hoodwort, Virginian Skullcap, Mad-dog Skullcap, two-tone Skullcap, dual-colored Skullcap, and variegated Skullcap are some of the more well-known common names for these plants.

In reference to the form of the inflorescence, the generic name Scutellaria is derived from the Latin word scutella, which signifies “a small dish, platter, or tray” or “little dish.” The nomenclature “common name” is derived from the similarity that the structure bears to “miniature medieval helmets.” The Bicolor Skullcap, which is indigenous to the far western region of Nepal and is also known as Dampate and Ratpatya, grows predominantly in the districts of Baitadi, Darchula, and Dadeldhura. Local Nepalese employ this plant as a natural dye, in addition to its prevalent medicinal uses.

Bicolor Skullcap Facts

Bicolor Skullcap Quick Facts
Name:	Bicolor Skullcap
Scientific Name:	Scutellaria discolor
Origin	Specific parts of Asia, such as Nepal, India, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Vietnam
Shapes	Four miniature nutlets
Health benefits	Respiratory Health, Calming and Sedative Effects, Anti-inflammatory Properties, Antioxidant Activity, Digestive Support, Liver Health, Improving Memory and Cognitive Function, Wound Healing

Name	Bicolor Skullcap
Scientific Name	Scutellaria discolor
Native	Specific parts of Asia, such as Nepal, India, Bhutan, Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh and Vietnam
Common Names	Blue Skullcap, Hoodwort, Virginian Skullcap, Mad-dog Skullcap, two-tone Skullcap, dual-colored Skullcap, variegated Skullcap
Name in Other Languages	Chinese: Yì sè huáng qín (异色黄芩) English: Bicolor Skullcap Manipuri: Yenakhat (ꯌꯦꯅꯥꯈꯠ) Nepali: Nilo butte ghans (निलो भुत्ते घाँस), Daampaate (दाम्पाते) Mizo: Phurthakhlo
Plant Growth Habit	Annual or perennial herbaceous medicinal plants
Growing Climates	Open rocky or dry grassy hill slopes, deciduous oak forest, cliff-faces, shady damp places, meadows, ditches, banks of streams, open grasslands, fringes of forests and roadsides
Soil	Can be found in moist, fertile soil and shady places
Plant Size	30-60 centimeters (12-24 inches)
Stem	Slender, herbaceous, 4 – angled, much branched, and from 1 to 1.5 feet height
Leaf	Leaves are about 2.5 times as wide as they are 3 to 5 centimeters in length; they are ovate, convex at the base, and acute at the apex
Flowering season	July-November
Flower	Flowers manifest in late summer and are produced in profusion from the axils of the leaves in the form of slender, unadorned racemes with one side. These racemes are opposite in shape and consist of short pedicles that are supported by tiny bracts at their base
Fruit Shape & Size	Four miniature nutlets comprise the fruit
Plant Parts Used	Bark Flower Fruit Leaf Milk/latex Root/rhizome Seed Shoot Wood and Whole plant
Health benefits	Respiratory Health Calming and Sedative Effects Anti-inflammatory Properties Antioxidant Activity Digestive Support Liver Health Improving Memory and Cognitive Function Wound Healing
Available Forms	Extracts Tea Cream Tincture

Plant Description

Bicolor Skullcap is an herbaceous medicinal plant that is classified as annual or perennial. It typically attains a height of 30-60 centimeters (12-24 inches) and is distinguished by its distinctive foliage and exquisite blossoms. Open grasslands, roadside edges, deciduous oak forests, open rocky or arid grassy hill slopes, cliff faces, shady damp areas, ditches, stream banks, open grasslands, and cliff faces are all habitats for this plant. The Bicolor Skullcap thrives in regions characterized by moisture, fertility, good drainage, and moderate sunlight. It is most tolerant of temperate climates that experience mild to average temperatures. Although it can tolerate both warm and chilly temperatures, it might encounter challenges in extremely cold or frosty environments.

Stem

The slender, herbaceous, four-angled, highly branched stem measures between one and one and a half feet in height. It is a silky violet green color when the plant is grown in shady conditions, but turns brown when exposed to sunlight.

Leaves

The leaves are about 2.5 times as wide as they are 3 to 5 centimeters in length; they are ovate, convex at the base, and acute at the apex. They are crenate, silky, and produced on opposing leaf stalks measuring approximately 2.5 cm in length.

Flowers

The flowers manifest in late summer and are produced in profusion from the axils of the leaves in the form of slender, unadorned racemes with one side. These racemes are opposite in shape and consist of short pedicles that are supported by tiny bracts at their base. The calyx is roughly the same length as the pedicel and possesses the helmet-like morphology that is signature to the genes. At maturity, the calyx divides at its base, with the lower lip retaining its fat content while the upper lip fattens. The approximately one millimeter-long, blue corolla has a slender, exerted tube and two sub-equivalent lips, the upper of which is arched and the lower of which is expanding. Four stamens are present and are comprised of the corolla.

Fruits

Four miniature nutlets comprise the fruit.

Bicolor Skullcap Image Gallery

Medicinal uses of Bicolor Skullcap

Bicolor Skullcap is comprised of a diverse array of bioactive constituents, including alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, which manifest a multitude of pharmacological attributes, including anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The following are several medicinal applications of Bicolor Skullcap:

1. Respiratory Conditions

Bicolor Skullcap is traditionally employed in the treatment of respiratory ailments and is thought to possess expectorant properties that assist in cough alleviation, congestion clearance, and breathing improvement. The medicinal properties of this substance include the relief of symptoms associated with coughs, colds, bronchitis, asthma, and decoctions and tinctures.

2. Calming and Sedative Effects

Bicolor Skullcap, an herb recognized for its nervine properties that induce nervous system relaxation and alleviate anxiety, also mitigates nervous tension. As an herbal remedy, it may be utilized to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, restlessness, and tension.

3. Anti-inflammatory Properties

The anti-inflammatory properties of Bicolor Skullcap may prove advantageous in the treatment of a range of inflammatory conditions. It is frequently employed to mitigate inflammation that is associated with joint pain, arthritis, and various other inflammatory conditions. Poultices and other topical preparations have the potential to administer localized relief.

4. Antioxidant Activity

Bicolor Skullcap contains antioxidant compounds that aid in the body’s defense against oxidative stress and free radicals. Antioxidants potentially mitigate the risk of chronic diseases, support the immune system, and prevent cellular injury, among other health benefits.

5. Digestive Support

Bicolor Skullcap is additionally employed in traditional medicine to provide digestive support. It is widely believed to facilitate the process of digestion, alleviate abdominal pain, and foster gastrointestinal well-being. Symptoms such as indigestion, bloating, and moderate abdominal cramps may be mitigated with this herb.

6. Liver Health

It has been demonstrated that Bicolor Skullcap can prevent injury to the liver caused by toxins, including alcohol and drugs. Additionally, it might improve the function of the liver in patients with liver diseases.

7. Improving Memory and Cognitive Function

Compounds identified in Bicolor Skullcap have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the enhancement of cognitive function and memory.

8. Wound Healing

By stimulating the growth of new tissue and increasing blood flow to the afflicted area, Bicolor Skullcap can aid in the healing of wounds.

Traditional Uses

It is employed in the therapeutic management of stimulating flexion, extension, and abduction in the nascent associative muscles of the flexor, extensor, and abductor via various nerves that extend throughout the entirety of the human body.
The plant is recommended for a variety of purposes, including relieving sprains, cramps, aches, muscle twitching, and fever, as well as stimulating nerve weakness that disrupts the autonomic nervous system and leads to conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, and epilepsy.
In Nepal, the leaf paste of this species is utilized to treat common colds and insect stings, and the entire plant juice is a remedy for complications associated with rheumatism, headache, indigestion, and fever.
A leaf decoction is utilized to treat indigestion, constipation, dyspepsia, rheumatic, and muscular complications in the Bishnupur district of Manipur.
Insomnia, inflammation, respiratory infections, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hypertension, hemorrhaging, and hypertension have all been treated with this substance.
During the rainy season, wounds between the toes caused by protracted barefoot walking in murky water are treated with the juice of the plant.
Approximately four teaspoons of the root’s juice are administered twice daily to treat dyspepsia and gastric issues.

Non-Medicinal Uses of Bicolor Skullcap

It is common knowledge that the Bicolor Skullcap possesses medicinal properties. While primarily employed for medicinal intentions, this plant potentially possesses other uses as well. A few potential options comprise:

Decorative Plant: Bicolor Skullcap is an ideal decorative plant for gardens or containers, as its striking foliage features a combination of purple and green leaves that enhances the aesthetic allure of both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Garden Design: Bicolor Skullcap is appropriate for landscaping projects due to its distinctive leaf hues, which add visual interest and variety to flower beds, borders, and other landscape configurations.
Supporting Pollinators: This plant’s blossoms have the ability to attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, thereby contributing to the maintenance of the ecosystem’s health and biodiversity.

Commercially Available Products of Bicolor Skullcap

Herbal supplements and beverages comprise a number of the commercially available products offered by Bicolor Skullcap. Favorite alternatives consist of:

Bicolor Skullcap Extracts: Extracts derived from different anatomical components of the plant, including stems, foliage, and flowers, are offered in liquid or capsule format.
Bicolor Skullcap Tea: Herbal tea made from this plant is accessible in two forms: tea sachets or loose leaves.
Bicolor Skullcap Creams: There are numerous body creams and moisturizers on the market that contain the extracts of this substance in conjunction with other components.
Bicolor Skullcap Tinctures: Tinctures containing bicolor skullcap extracts are also obtainable for oral consumption through combining with water or other beverages.

References:

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/SCDDI

https://biodiversity.bt/species/show/2621

https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Bicolor%20Skullcap.html

https://inaturalist.nz/taxa/473626-Scutellaria-discolor