Herb Leaf (叶 yè)

Yin Xing Ye

Ginkgo leaf · 银杏叶

Ginkgo biloba L. · Folium Ginkgo

Also known as: Bái Guǒ Yè (白果叶), Fēi É Yè (飞蛾叶), Yā Jiǎo Zǐ (鸭脚子),

Yin Xing Ye (Ginkgo leaf) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Ginkgo leaf is one of the most widely researched herbs in the world, prized for its ability to promote healthy blood circulation, particularly to the heart and brain. It is commonly used for chest pain, dizziness, poor memory, and high cholesterol. Its neutral temperature makes it gentle enough for most body types.

Category Blood-invigorating and stasis-dispelling herbs (活血化瘀药) Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing (止咳平喘药)
Therapeutic focus Cardiovascular Health Cognitive Health and Memory Circulation Support Cholesterol Management

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Bitter (苦 kǔ), Astringent (涩 sè)

Channels entered

Heart, Lungs

Parts used

Leaf (叶 yè)

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Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Yin Xing Ye does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Yin Xing Ye is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Cardiovascular Health Cognitive Health and Memory Circulation Support Cholesterol Management

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Yin Xing Ye performs to restore balance in the body:

Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis Unblocks the Channels and Alleviates Pain Astringes the Lungs and calms wheezing Transforms Turbidity and Lowers Lipids

How these actions work

'Activates Blood and resolves stasis' means Ginkgo leaf helps move Blood that has become sluggish or stuck in the vessels. In TCM, when Blood does not flow smoothly, it can cause chest pain, numbness, or sharp stabbing pains. This herb is especially valued for promoting circulation through the Heart vessels, making it a primary choice for chest tightness and pain from Blood stasis obstructing the collaterals.

'Unblocks collaterals and stops pain' refers to the herb's ability to open up the smaller, finer channels in the body. This is particularly relevant after stroke (where paralysis or weakness on one side indicates blocked collaterals) and for headache, dizziness, and poor circulation to the extremities.

'Astringes the Lungs and calms wheezing' means it gathers and firms up weakened Lung Qi. When the Lungs are deficient, Qi can leak outward, causing chronic cough and wheezing. The astringent property of Ginkgo leaf helps contain Lung Qi and reduce breathlessness. This action comes from its astringent and bitter tastes.

'Resolves turbidity and lowers lipids' is a modern TCM description reflecting its clinical use for high cholesterol and elevated blood lipids. 'Turbidity' in TCM refers to thick, sluggish substances that cloud the blood vessels, and this herb helps clear them away.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Yin Xing Ye is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Yin Xing Ye addresses this pattern

Ginkgo leaf's primary action of activating Blood and resolving stasis directly addresses the core pathomechanism of this pattern, where Blood circulation through the Heart vessels becomes obstructed. Its sweet taste gently tonifies while its bitter taste helps move stagnation downward and outward. Entering the Heart channel, it reaches the site of obstruction directly, promoting blood flow through narrowed or blocked chest vessels. Its collateral-unblocking action is especially valuable because chest pain (xiōng bì, or chest impediment) often involves obstruction in the fine collateral network around the Heart.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Chest Pain

Stabbing or fixed chest pain, often worse with exertion

Chest Stiffness

Oppressive feeling in the chest

Palpitations

Irregular or forceful heartbeat accompanying chest discomfort

Purple Lips

Purplish discoloration of the lips indicating Blood stasis

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Yin Xing Ye is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Blood Stasis Obstructing the Heart Vessels

TCM Interpretation

TCM understands coronary heart disease primarily as 'chest impediment' (xiōng bì), a condition where the Heart vessels become obstructed. The root cause typically involves Qi stagnation slowing Blood flow, Blood stasis forming from prolonged stagnation, and often Phlegm-turbidity accumulating in the vessels. The Heart, which governs the Blood and vessels, loses its ability to push Blood smoothly. Contributing factors often include Kidney Yang deficiency (failing to warm and propel circulation), Spleen Qi deficiency (producing Phlegm-turbidity), and Liver Qi stagnation (impeding the free flow of Qi and Blood).

Why Yin Xing Ye Helps

Ginkgo leaf directly enters the Heart channel and activates Blood while resolving stasis, targeting the central pathomechanism of Blood stasis in the Heart vessels. Its collateral-unblocking action addresses the fine-vessel obstruction that causes angina pain. Its lipid-lowering (turbidity-resolving) action addresses Phlegm-turbidity that contributes to vessel narrowing. Its neutral temperature means it can be safely combined with both warming and cooling herbs depending on whether the patient presents with Cold or Heat patterns alongside the stasis.

Also commonly used for

Dizziness

From cerebrovascular insufficiency

Tinnitus

Related to poor cerebral circulation

Chronic Coughing

Chronic cough and wheezing from Lung deficiency

Stroke

Recovery from ischemic stroke with hemiplegia

Renal Vascular Disease

Intermittent claudication and poor circulation to extremities

Primary Hypertension

Adjunctive support alongside primary treatment

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Bitter (苦 kǔ), Astringent (涩 sè)

Channels Entered

Heart Lungs

Parts Used

Leaf (叶 yè)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Yin Xing Ye — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

9-12g

Maximum dosage

Up to 15g in decoction under practitioner supervision. For standardized extracts (EGb 761 type), do not exceed 240 mg/day.

Dosage notes

The standard decoction dose is 9-12g. Ginkgo leaf is also commonly used as a standardized extract in tablet, capsule, or injection form rather than traditional decoction. When using extract preparations, typical dosing is 120-240 mg/day of a standardized extract (containing 24% flavonoid glycosides and 6% terpene lactones). For cardiovascular conditions (chest pain, high blood lipids), the higher end of the range may be used. For mild cognitive support or peripheral circulation, moderate doses suffice. Elderly patients on multiple medications should start at lower doses and be monitored for interactions.

Preparation

When used in traditional decoction, no special handling is required. However, ginkgo leaf is most commonly used today in the form of standardized extracts (tablets, capsules, oral liquids, or injections) rather than raw decoction. Raw leaves gathered from trees should never be used directly for tea or decoction, as they contain toxic levels of ginkgolic acid that dissolves readily in water. Only properly processed, pharmacopoeia-grade material should be used.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Yin Xing Ye for enhanced therapeutic effect

Dan Shen
Dan Shen 1:1 (Yin Xing Ye 9-12g : Dan Shen 9-15g)

Ginkgo leaf and Dan Shen (Salvia root) together powerfully activate Blood and resolve stasis in the Heart vessels. Dan Shen cools the Blood and calms the spirit while Ginkgo leaf unblocks collaterals and resolves turbidity. Together they address both the Blood stasis and the turbidity components of chest impediment more comprehensively than either herb alone.

When to use: Coronary heart disease with chest tightness, angina, and signs of Blood stasis such as a dark or purple tongue. Also useful for cerebrovascular conditions with dizziness and poor memory.

Shan Zha
Shan Zha 1:1 (Yin Xing Ye 9-12g : Shan Zha 9-15g)

Ginkgo leaf resolves turbidity and activates Blood, while Hawthorn fruit disperses food stagnation, activates Blood, and lowers lipids. Together they create a synergistic lipid-lowering combination that also addresses the digestive component of Phlegm-turbidity formation by helping the Spleen break down greasy, fatty food.

When to use: Hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, and elevated cholesterol, especially in patients with a history of rich or greasy diet and indigestion.

Chuan Xiong
Chuan Xiong 1:1 (Yin Xing Ye 9-12g : Chuan Xiong 6-10g)

Ginkgo leaf activates Blood in the Heart vessels and unblocks collaterals, while Chuan Xiong is a premier Blood-moving herb that also drives Qi and Blood upward to the head. Together they strongly promote circulation through both the cardiac and cerebral vessels, combining Ginkgo leaf's collateral-opening with Chuan Xiong's powerful ascending and dispersing nature.

When to use: Headache, dizziness, and poor memory from Blood stasis and poor circulation to the head. Also used for post-stroke recovery with hemiplegia.

Ge Gen
Ge Gen 1:1 (Yin Xing Ye 9-12g : Ge Gen 10-15g)

Ginkgo leaf activates Blood and unblocks collaterals, while Ge Gen (Kudzu root) raises clear Yang Qi to the head and relaxes the muscles of the neck and upper back. Together they address cerebrovascular insufficiency by both opening blocked collaterals and lifting fresh Qi and Blood upward to nourish the brain.

When to use: Dizziness, neck stiffness, and headache from cerebrovascular insufficiency or cervical spondylosis impairing blood supply to the brain.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Dan Shen
Yin Xing Ye vs Dan Shen

Both activate Blood and resolve stasis and are widely used for cardiovascular conditions. However, Dan Shen is Cool in nature and also clears Heat from the Blood and calms the spirit, making it better for Blood stasis with Heat signs or accompanying anxiety and insomnia. Ginkgo leaf is Neutral and has the additional actions of astringeing the Lungs and resolving turbidity to lower lipids, making it more versatile for patients with concurrent high cholesterol or respiratory weakness.

San Qi
Yin Xing Ye vs San Qi

Both activate Blood and are used for cardiovascular conditions. San Qi (Notoginseng) is Warm in nature and uniquely both stops bleeding and resolves stasis, making it ideal for traumatic injury and acute chest pain. Ginkgo leaf is Neutral and better suited for chronic circulatory conditions involving the cerebral and peripheral vessels, with its added benefit of resolving turbidity and lowering lipids. San Qi is stronger for acute Blood stasis, while Ginkgo leaf is preferred for long-term management of vascular health.

Bai Guo
Yin Xing Ye vs Bai Guo

Both come from the same tree (Ginkgo biloba) but are entirely different medicines. Bai Guo (the seed) primarily astringes the Lungs to stop wheezing and secures the lower body to stop vaginal discharge and urinary frequency, with minimal Blood-activating action. Ginkgo leaf is primarily a Blood-activating and collateral-unblocking herb for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, with astringeing the Lungs as only a secondary action.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Yin Xing Ye

Yin Xing Ye (ginkgo leaf) should not be confused with Bai Guo (白果, ginkgo seed/nut), which comes from the same tree but has different properties and indications. Bai Guo is used to restrain Lung Qi, calm wheezing, stop vaginal discharge, and reduce urination, while the leaf focuses on activating blood, resolving stasis, and lowering lipids. A major concern is the use of raw, unprocessed ginkgo leaves gathered from ornamental trees, which contain dangerously high levels of ginkgolic acid (3000-4000 ppm) compared to the pharmacopoeia limit of less than 5 ppm in standardized extracts. Commercially, poorly standardized ginkgo leaf extracts or dietary supplements may have inadequate removal of ginkgolic acid or lower-than-labeled concentrations of active flavonoids and terpene lactones.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Yin Xing Ye

Slightly toxic

Raw, unprocessed ginkgo leaves contain ginkgolic acid (银杏酸) at concentrations of 3000-4000 ppm, which is water-soluble and toxic. Ginkgolic acid has cytotoxic, immunotoxic, and allergenic properties, and can cause neurological symptoms (nerve paralysis, paroxysmal spasms), gastrointestinal distress, and severe contact dermatitis. Because ginkgolic acid dissolves readily in water, simply steeping raw leaves as tea can cause poisoning rather than therapeutic benefit. Pharmaceutical-grade ginkgo leaf extracts must limit ginkgolic acid to less than 5 ppm per Chinese, European, and US Pharmacopoeia standards. Some advanced preparations reduce it to below 1 ppm. Proper standardized extraction removes the toxic ginkgolic acid while concentrating the beneficial flavonoids (24%) and terpene lactones (6%). Never use raw ginkgo leaves collected from trees without proper pharmaceutical processing.

Contraindications

Situations where Yin Xing Ye should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Active bleeding or bleeding disorders. Yin Xing Ye has blood-activating and antiplatelet properties that may worsen hemorrhage.

Caution

Concurrent use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel) without medical supervision, due to increased bleeding risk.

Caution

Scheduled surgery within 1-2 weeks. Discontinue before elective procedures due to potential antiplatelet effects.

Caution

Epilepsy or seizure disorders. Large amounts of ginkgo may lower the seizure threshold and reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant medications.

Avoid

Known allergy to Ginkgo biloba or ginkgolic acid. Unprocessed or poorly standardized leaf preparations contain high levels of allergenic ginkgolic acid (up to 3000-4000 ppm), which can cause severe allergic reactions including contact dermatitis.

Caution

Patterns of excess (实邪). Classical texts note that those with excess pathogens should avoid this herb, as its astringent nature may trap pathogens inside.

Avoid

Direct use of raw, unprocessed leaves as tea. Raw ginkgo leaves contain high concentrations of water-soluble ginkgolic acid, which is toxic and can cause neurological symptoms.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Use with caution during pregnancy. Ginkgo leaf has blood-activating and stasis-resolving properties that could theoretically increase bleeding risk, which is concerning during pregnancy and especially around delivery. Additionally, ginkgolic acid in poorly processed preparations may pose a toxicity risk. There are insufficient human safety studies in pregnant women. Avoid unless specifically prescribed and supervised by a qualified practitioner.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient safety data exists for ginkgo leaf use during breastfeeding. The antiplatelet activity of ginkgo compounds raises theoretical concerns about transfer through breast milk, and the potential allergenic effects of ginkgolic acid are a concern for nursing infants. Avoid use while breastfeeding unless under qualified practitioner supervision.

Children

Limited safety data exists for pediatric use of ginkgo leaf. Classical texts mention external application of ginkgo leaf decoction for childhood intestinal inflammation (applied to hands, feet, and chest), using 3-9g. Internal use in children should be approached with caution, at reduced doses proportional to age and body weight, and only under qualified practitioner supervision. Not recommended for very young children without specific clinical indication.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Yin Xing Ye

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs: Ginkgo leaf has platelet-activating factor (PAF) inhibiting activity and may increase bleeding risk when combined with warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, or direct oral anticoagulants. Monitor closely if co-administration is unavoidable.

NSAIDs: Concurrent use with ibuprofen, celecoxib, loxoprofen and similar drugs may increase the risk of bleeding due to additive antiplatelet effects.

Anticonvulsants: Ginkgo may lower the seizure threshold and reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsant medications such as valproic acid and carbamazepine.

CYP enzyme substrates: At doses above 240 mg/day, ginkgo extract may weakly induce CYP2C19 (potentially reducing the effectiveness of omeprazole and similar proton pump inhibitors) and weakly inhibit CYP3A4 (potentially increasing levels of midazolam, nifedipine, and some statins such as simvastatin and atorvastatin).

Alprazolam: Ginkgo may reduce the effectiveness of alprazolam (Xanax).

Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs): Combined use with fluoxetine, sertraline, or similar drugs may theoretically increase bleeding risk due to additive effects on platelet function.

Diabetes medications: Ginkgo may alter glucose metabolism, potentially affecting the response to oral hypoglycemic agents.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Yin Xing Ye

No specific strong dietary restrictions apply. However, since ginkgo leaf activates blood circulation and has mild antiplatelet effects, it is prudent to avoid excessive intake of other blood-thinning foods and supplements (such as large amounts of garlic, ginger, fish oil, or vitamin E) while taking ginkgo leaf preparations. Avoid alcohol in excess, as it may compound the effects on blood circulation and increase the risk of bleeding or headache.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Yin Xing Ye source plant

Ginkgo biloba L. is a deciduous tree of the Ginkgoaceae family, commonly known as the maidenhair tree. It is one of the oldest living tree species on Earth, dating back over 200 million years, and is often called a "living fossil." The tree can grow 20-35 meters tall with a broadly pyramidal or spreading crown. Its distinctive fan-shaped (扇形) leaves are 3-12 cm long and 5-15 cm wide, with dichotomous (forked) venation, green on the upper surface and paler beneath. The leaves turn brilliant golden-yellow in autumn.

Ginkgo is dioecious, meaning male and female reproductive structures are borne on separate trees. Female trees produce fleshy, malodorous seed coats surrounding the edible kernel known as Bai Guo (白果). The bark is grey-brown and deeply furrowed on mature trees. It thrives in temperate climates with well-drained soil and is widely cultivated as both an ornamental and medicinal tree throughout China and worldwide.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Yin Xing Ye is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Autumn, while the leaves are still green (before they turn fully yellow), then dried promptly.

Primary growing regions

Ginkgo originated in southern China and is now cultivated widely across the country, from Liaoning in the north to Guangdong in the south, and from Zhejiang in the east to Shaanxi, Gansu, Sichuan, Guizhou, and Yunnan in the west. Historically, the Ben Cao Gang Mu noted that ginkgo from the Xuancheng area of Anhui (宣城) produced the finest quality. Today, major production regions for medicinal ginkgo leaf include Jiangsu (particularly Taixing and Pizhou), Shandong, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Guangxi provinces. China accounts for approximately 70% of the world's ginkgo resources.

Quality indicators

Good quality dried ginkgo leaves should be relatively intact, fan-shaped, 3-12 cm long and 5-15 cm wide, yellowish-green or light brownish-yellow in color. The distinctive dichotomous (forked) parallel venation should be clearly visible. The surface should be smooth and hairless, and the leaves should tear easily along the longitudinal veins. The texture is light. The smell should be faint and the taste slightly bitter. Avoid leaves that are excessively brown, moldy, or heavily fragmented. For extract products, ensure pharmaceutical-grade standardization with total flavonoid glycosides of 24% or above, terpene lactones of 6% or above, and ginkgolic acid below 5 ppm.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Yin Xing Ye and its therapeutic uses

《中药志》(Zhong Yao Zhi)

Original: 「敛肺气，平喘咳，止带浊。治痰喘咳嗽，白带白浊。」

Translation: "Restrains Lung Qi, calms wheezing and cough, stops vaginal discharge and turbid urination. Treats phlegm-wheezing, cough, leukorrhea, and turbid discharge."

《滇南本草》(Dian Nan Ben Cao)

Original: 「采银杏叶，捣烂，搽，甚妙。」

Translation: "Collect ginkgo leaves, pound into a mash, and apply topically. The effect is excellent." (Used for treating freckles.)

《本草品汇精要》(Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao)

Original: 「黄叶为末，和面作饼，煨熟食之，止泻痢。」

Translation: "Grind the yellow leaves into powder, mix with flour to make cakes, bake and eat them to stop diarrhea and dysentery."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Yin Xing Ye's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most ancient living tree species, with fossils dating to the Carboniferous period (approximately 345 million years ago). The name "银杏" (Yin Xing, meaning "silver apricot") first appeared in the Song dynasty text Shaoxing Ben Cao (《绍兴本草》), named because its seed is "white as silver and shaped like a small apricot." It was also called "鸭脚" (duck foot) because of the distinctive fan shape of its leaves. The famous Ming dynasty naturalist Li Shizhen recorded in the Ben Cao Gang Mu: "It originally grew in Jiangnan... the leaves are thin, like a duck's foot in shape."

While the seed (Bai Guo) has been used medicinally since the Song dynasty, the leaf was historically underutilized in TCM. The earliest recorded medicinal use of the leaf is in the Ming dynasty text Ben Cao Pin Hui Jing Yao, which described using it for diarrhea and dysentery. The leaf was officially included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia only in the 2000 edition. The modern story of ginkgo leaf extract began in the 1960s, when German and Japanese scientists rediscovered its medicinal value. The standardized extract EGb 761 was developed by the German pharmaceutical company Dr. Willmar Schwabe and patented in 1972, becoming one of the best-selling phytomedicines worldwide. In 1990, American chemist E.J. Corey received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in part for his work on the total synthesis of ginkgolide B.

Modern Research

5 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Yin Xing Ye

1

Systematic review and meta-analysis: Effects of Ginkgo biloba in dementia (2010)

Weinmann S, Roll S, Schwarzbach C, Vauth C, Willich SN. BMC Geriatrics. 2010;10:14.

This systematic review covered 9 RCTs with 2,372 patients with Alzheimer's, vascular, or mixed dementia treated for 12-52 weeks. Pooled analysis showed ginkgo extract was statistically superior to placebo for cognition outcomes. Effect sizes were moderate, comparable to other dementia drugs. Dropout rates and side effects did not differ between ginkgo and placebo groups.

2

Systematic review and meta-analysis: Efficacy and tolerability of EGb 761 in dementia (2014)

Gauthier S, Schlaefke S. Clinical Interventions in Aging. 2014;9:1681-1699.

This meta-analysis of 7 large, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials (2,625 patients total) found statistically significant superiority of EGb 761 over placebo in cognition, activities of daily living, and global clinical impression. The treatment was well tolerated with adverse event rates similar to placebo.

3

Systematic review and meta-analysis: Efficacy and adverse effects of Ginkgo biloba for cognitive impairment and dementia (2015)

Tan MS, Yu JT, Tan CC, Wang HF, Meng XF, Wang C, Jiang T, Zhu XC, Tan L. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. 2015;43(2):589-603.

This review of 9 RCTs (2,561 patients over 22-26 weeks) evaluated the standardized extract EGb 761 for cognitive impairment and dementia. Results supported the use of ginkgo extract for cognitive benefits, with an acceptable adverse effect profile.

4

Overview of systematic reviews: Effects of Ginkgo biloba on dementia (2017)

Yuan Q, Wang CW, Shi J, Lin ZX. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2017;195:1-9.

This overview synthesized 12 systematic reviews with meta-analyses covering 59 RCTs total. The cumulative evidence suggested beneficial effects of ginkgo extract on cognitive performance, activities of daily living, and clinical global impression for dementia at doses of 240 mg/day or above, administered for at least 22 weeks.

5

Review: Pharmacokinetic drug interactions involving Ginkgo biloba (2013)

Unger M. Drug Metabolism Reviews. 2013;45(3):353-385.

This review examined herb-drug interactions of ginkgo leaf extracts. At standard recommended doses (up to 240 mg/day), the standardized extract EGb 761 showed no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interaction potential. Higher doses showed weak CYP2C19 induction and CYP3A4 inhibition, but clinical significance was unclear.

PubMed

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.