Both the Baikal and common varieties of skullcap contain neuraminidase inhibitors. Common scullcap (S. lateriflora) contains baicalin (40 mg/g) and baicalein (33 mg/g): PMID:14692724 (cache) Baicalin and baicalein inhibit the neuraminidase/sialidase enzymes: PMID:2717686 (cache)

The most widely studied is a compound called 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone. In a study on mice cells, bathing the cell cultures in Scutellaria tea inhibited both Type A (H3N2 type) and Type B (Ibaraki/2/85 type) influenza when the flavone was administered 18 hours before the virus challenge. It was not effective when administered five minutes before the virus. (citation)

Many people prefer the baikal species of skullcap, and it is better studied. One source for New Chapter Baikal Skullcap — 60 Vcaps is Vitacost.


Products from common skullcap include: Nature's Answer Skullcap Herb Extract — 1 oz from vitacost and Nature's Way Scullcap Herb from Swansons.

Other hydroxy-flavones are found in plants like Passiflora incarnata (passionflower herb - but not passionflower fruit, Passiflora edulis). It is not clear whether these flavones also inhibit neuraminidases or influenza viruses (or the H5N1 virus in particular). However, both scutellaria and passionflower are also mild tranquilizers (the methoxy-flavone compounds also have a gentle GABAinergic effect and are used by herbalists for anxiety). These teas have a long history of safe use (on par with chamomile and hibiscus), so it seems logical to first prepare for a possible avian flu epidemic, and stay home and consume relaxing herbs if the epidemic does arrive.

Baicalein: 5,6,7-Trihydroxyflavone	Baicalin: 7-D-Glucuronic acid-5,6-dihydroxyflavone	Wogonin: 5,7-Dihydroxy-8-methoxyflavone

        
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