This study was designed to determine the safety of a medical food, flavocoxid, a proprietary blend of flavonoids and flavans from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis (Chinese skullcap) and the bark of Acacia catechu in the dietary management of knee osteoarthritis. The 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in an academic medical center enrolled 59 patients with moderate osteoarthritis of at least one knee who were recruited who were classified as having “below average” to “a moderately above average cardiovascular risk”. Subjects were randomized to flavocoxid 250 mg twice a day versus identical placebo. Safety measures, including recording of adverse events, incidence of serious adverse events, and results of routine laboratory values, were compared between the two groups. Thus, flavocoxid is safe when used in a population with “below average” to “moderately above average cardiovascular risk” compared to placebo.
– The safety of flavocoxid, a medical food, in the dietary management of knee osteoarthritis. — Morgan SL, Baggott JE, Moreland L, Desmond R, Kendrach AC. — J Med Food. 2009 Oct;12(5):1143-8.

Scutellaria baicalensis is a plant widely used in Chinese and Japanese herbal medicine. Dry roots of Scutellaria baicalensis are used, especially as alcohol extracts. Flavonoids isolated from Radix Scutellariae have beneficial effects in hepatitis. Flavonoids derived from Scutellaria baicalensis produce antioxidative, antineoplastic, cardiomiocyte-protective activity. They inhibit agregation of platelets, permeability of capillary vessels, have antibacterial and anty-angiogenic effects.
– Pharmacological effects of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis — Kowalczyk E, Krzesinski P, Kura M, Niedworok J, Kowalski J, Blaszczyk J. — Przegl Lek. 2006;63(2):95-6.

Do not use during pregnancy or breast feeding.

Skullcap should not be used by someone with diabetes because it can lower blood pressure. Overdose can cause serious side effects such as seizures, an irregular heartbeat and liver damage. It should also not be taken with sedatives or alcohol.
– University of Maryland Medical Center