Never heard of Wogonin as a promising treatment for Parkinsons ? You are not alone. It is is a bioactive, anti-inflammatory flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis –  the Baikal skullcap root.

You are more likely to have heard about Skullcap,  a herb traditionally used to calm the nervous system, ease anxiety, promote restful sleep and relieve stress. It increases GABA in the brain which facilitates relaxation which is why it is used as an anti-anxiety treatment. It offers and anti-inflammatory benefits, with research exploring its potential for liver protection, immune support, and neuro-protective effects. Given this description, it would certainly be a promising treatment for Parkinsons.

You can grow wogonin (Baikal Shullcap) in a garden It also happens to be a beautiful garden flower and puts on a show of beautiful flowers starting in July for a couple months. Pollinators love it. You can eat the plant when young or dry the leaves to make a delicious tea.

Research on Wogonin as a Promising Treatment for Parkinsons

Brain Res Bull. 2025 Feb:221:111202. Protective effects of wogonin in the treatment of central nervous system and degenerative diseases

Abstract

Wogonin, an O-methylated flavonoid extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis, has demonstrated profound neuroprotective effects in a range of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. This review elucidates the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the protective effects of wogonin in CNS diseases, including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, and CNS infections.

Wogonin modulates key signaling pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties. In ischemic stroke models, wogonin reduces infarct size and enhances neurological outcomes by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress. For patients with hemorrhagic stroke and traumatic brain injury, it accelerates hematoma regression, mitigates secondary brain damage, and promotes neurogenesis, making it an entirely new treatment option for patients with limited access to this type of therapy.

Its anticonvulsant and anxiolytic effects are mediated through GABA-A receptor modulation. Moreover, wogonin shows promise in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease by promoting autophagy and reducing neuroinflammation. Additionally, it exhibits antiviral properties, offering potential benefits against CNS infections. This review highlights the great therapeutic potential of wogonin in terms of CNS protection.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease