Ginkgo biloba L.
Aliases：The bark of the ginkgo tree. Ginkgo is also known as Bái Guǒ Shù (White Fruit Tree) and Gōng Sūn Shù (Grandfather-Grandson Tree).
Bái Guǒ Shù Pí is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the bark of Ginkgo biloba L., a plant belonging to the family Ginkgoaceae.
Efficacy & Actions
Dries dampness and detoxifies.
Indications
Indicated for psoriasis (neurodermatitis).
Modern Pharmacology
Currently, specific modern pharmacological research on Bái Guǒ Shù Pí (Ginkgo bark) is relatively limited. Studies on ginkgo seeds (Bái Guǒ) indicate that they contain flavonoids, lactones, phenolic acids, and organic acids, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antitumor, and antibacterial effects. The outer seed coat of ginkgo contains ginkgolic acids and ginkgols, which have insecticidal and antibacterial properties, and significantly inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi. The outer seed coat of ginkgo contains flavonoids, lactones, ginkgolic acids, polysaccharides, and amino acids, exhibiting antibacterial, insecticidal, antitumor, anti-allergic, free radical-scavenging, and anti-aging pharmacological activities.
Ingredients
Tannins. Shikimic acid (found in the inner bark). Cellulose: 41%. Hemicellulose: 26%. Lignin: 33%. Glucose mannan (or galactose glucose mannan). Arabino-4-O-methylglucuronoxylan. Raffinose (in large quantities). Volatile oil: 5% (extracted from heartwood with ether), containing the sesquiterpene component ginkgol. d-Sesamin: 0.52%. A crystalline compound with a melting point of 77–78°C, C₁₇H₃₄O (0.15%). Hexacosanol and sterols (found in branches).
Usage & Dosage
For external use: Take 10 g, burn it to ash, mix with oil, and apply to the affected area.
Contraindications
Not for internal use—there are no clear records of oral administration of Bái Guǒ Shù Pí; traditional use is strictly external. Do not take internally without professional supervision. Skin contact precautions—the outer seed coat of ginkgo contains ginkgolic acids and other organic acids, which may cause irritant dermatitis, allergic dermatitis, skin redness, itching, and rash upon direct contact. In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur. Protective measures should be taken during handling. Pregnant women and those with allergic predisposition should use with caution—under the guidance of a physician. This is a lesser-known medicinal material with limited research data; it is recommended to consult a TCM practitioner before use.
Selected Formulas
For psoriasis (Diannan Bencao Tushuo) Take the bark of the ginkgo tree, burn it to ash, mix with oil, and apply to the affected area.
Daily Consumption
Bái Guǒ Shù Pí is primarily for external use and should not be used as a daily food ingredient. All medicinal use must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. Do not take internally without professional supervision.
Medicinal Parts
Bark.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and mold.
