Baicalein appears to be a GABAA receptor agonist, with the glycoside (Baicalin) having no such effect
According to
Wikipedia, baicalin may be GABA receptor agonist, and/or may act like a benzodiazepine drug (benzodiazepines sensitize the GABA receptor, so that this receptor then responds more strongly to the GABA neurotransmitter). In either case, baicalin is going to have a calming, relaxing effect through its GABA effects.
Tolerance may be an issue though, as is often the problem with drugs or supplements that work through GABA.
If you want a good relaxing herb that acts via the GABA system but does not have any tolerance / withdrawal issues, then kava kava root 300 mg daily is the one.
As an antiviral, baicalin may be quite strong. Baicalin and chlorogenic acid (found in coffee) are the main two antiviral ingredients in the Chinese formula Shuang Huang Lian, and this formula has been shown to have similar antiviral efficacy for coxsackievirus B and echovirus as the potent antiviral drug ribavirin.
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