Scutellaria BaicalensisScutellaria baicalensis(Baikal Scullcap) possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-allergic properties, via its active principals. They include biacalein, baicalin and wogonin (flavonoid glycosides), beta-sistosterol, and even benzoic acid. S. baicalensis has been used for upper respiratory infections (The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, pg 385-6), and has been shown to inhibit histamine (Pub Med, Kyo, 1998). It also has some fungistatic properties (Pub Med, Yang, 1995) which may result in part from its benzoic acid content. Anti-allergic actions may relate to its ability to inhibit the release of enzymes from mast cells, probably by inhibiting receptors. Animal studies have shown a bronchodilator effect on guinea pigs with allergic asthma (Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, pg 75-6).