Chinese scullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) is different from a related plant called American scullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia). Used more extensively in Asia than in the Americas or Europe, scullcap contains active flavonoids, chemicals that have a wide range of effects in the body. Two of its flavonoids, baicalin and wogonin, are known to be anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is the body response to irritation, injury, or infection. It usually includes pain, redness, and swelling in the area of the damage and it can occur within body tissues as well as on the surface of the skin. Both oral and topical forms of  scullcap are being tested to treat inflammatory conditions that range from dermatitis to inflammatory bowel disease.