Tarczyce ? roślinne adaptogeny z różnych kontynentów

Plant adaptogens exert many pharmacological effects on human body with concomitant little toxicity. Numerous plant substances with adaptogenic properties are derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Some of them have been also used in Western medicine. The aim of this paper is to describe therapeutic potential of three Scutellaria L. (skullcap) species, which possess adaptogenic activity. Baikal and barbed skullcaps, which are native for Asia, were used in TCM, whereas mad dog skullcap is native to North America, where it was used by American Indians. The main skullcap compounds showing adaptogenic properties are flavones (mainly: baicalein, baicalin, wogonin) classified as polyphenols. Extracts obtained from skullcaps, rich in those compounds, are strong antiphlogistic therapeutic agents showing wide antibiodegenerative (neuro-, hepato- and cardioprotective) and antineoplastic activities. Furthermore, as adaptogens, skullcap flavones reveal normalizing effects on central nervous system by alleviating common mental ailments, like anxiety, nervous tension or sleeping disorders.