Scutellaria have four-angled stems and opposite leaves, and flowers with upper and lower lips.

[7] The root of Scutellaria baicalensis – a common component of many preparations[8] – is marketed in volumes that have led to the overexploitation of the wild plant.

Its rarity has led to an increase in price, and encouraged the adulteration of the product with other species of Scutellaria.

[9] In 1773, Scutellaria lateriflora became a common treatment in North America for the hysteria and hydrophobia caused by rabies.

[9] Isolated chemical compounds include wogonin, wogonoside, and 3,5,7,2',6'-pentahydroxyl flavanone found in Scutellaria.