Ginkgo Folium
Aliases：Bái Guǒ Yè (Ginkgo Leaf); Fēi É Yè (Moth Leaf); Yā Jiǎo Zǐ (Duck Foot Seed).
Yín Xìng Yè (Ginkgo Leaf) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is the dried leaf of Ginkgo biloba L., a plant of the Ginkgoaceae family. Ginkgo is native to China and is known as a “living fossil” in the plant kingdom.
Efficacy & Actions
Promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis; unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain; astringes the lungs and relieves wheezing; reduces turbidity and lowers blood lipids.
Indications
Used for blood stasis obstructing the collaterals, chest obstruction with heart pain (angina pectoris), stroke with hemiplegia, lung-deficiency cough and wheezing, and hyperlipidemia.
Modern Pharmacology
Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Protection: Exhibits anti-myocardial ischemia and anti-cerebral ischemia effects. It improves blood microcirculation and prevents blood clot formation. Neuroprotective Effects: Shows neuroprotective properties against hypoxia/ischemia, seizure activity, and peripheral nerve damage. Ginkgolide B is a potent platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonist. Antitumor Effects: The active components in Ginkgo leaf demonstrate comprehensive antitumor effects across multiple levels and pathways. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects: It resists oxidative stress and reduces inflammatory responses. Other Effects: Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) is one of the most extensively studied plant preparations worldwide. Research has also found that it exhibits anxiolytic and anti-stress activities, among others.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, isorhamnetin, etc. These are the main active components responsible for the in vitro antioxidant effects of Ginkgo leaf. Terpene Lactones: Such as ginkgolides, etc. These act as platelet-activating factor (PAF) antagonists. Other Components: Also contains phenolic acids, polyprenols, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction for oral use: The standard dosage is 9–12g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with excess pathogens: As Ginkgo leaf is astringent in nature, it may trap pathogens in such patients. Contraindicated or use with caution during pregnancy: It may cause premature labor or excessive bleeding during delivery. Discontinue before surgery: It should be stopped at least 2 weeks before surgery, as it may cause excessive bleeding. Use with caution in patients with bleeding tendencies: Patients with bleeding tendencies or those on anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy should use it under the guidance of a physician. Use with caution in individuals with allergies. Use with caution in patients with heart failure.
Selected Formulas
For Coronary Heart Disease with Angina Pectoris (from Anhui Chinese Herbal Medicine) Take 15g each of Ginkgo leaf (Bái Guǒ Yè), Trichosanthes fruit (Guā Lóu), and Salvia root (Dān Shēn); 12g of Allium macrostemon (Xiè Bái); 9g of Turmeric root (Yù Jīn); and 5g of raw Licorice (Gān Cǎo). Decoct in water and take orally. For Hypercholesterolemia (from National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine) Extract the main component flavonoids from Ginkgo leaves and make into sugar-coated tablets (each tablet containing 1.14mg of flavonoids). Take 4 tablets each time, three times daily. For Diarrhea and Dysentery (from Pin Hui Jing Yao) Grind Ginkgo leaf into powder, mix with flour to make cakes, and bake until cooked. Consume.
Daily Consumption
Ginkgo Leaf Tea: Ginkgo leaves can be decocted in water and drunk as a tea. It helps promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, unblock collaterals, and relieve pain.
Medicinal Parts
Dried leaf.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place.
