Gangling Ye (Eurya Leaf) is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the leaf of Eurya groffii Merr., a plant in the family Theaceae. It grows on hillsides, at forest edges, and by ditches at elevations of 50–2,000 meters. It is distributed in Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Tibet, and other regions. It is an authenticated variety of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine's Terminology Standardization and Promotion Project. It is recorded in Chinese Materia Medica, National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Guangxi Herbal Medicine Selection, and other herbal works.

Efficacy & Actions

Resolves Phlegm and relieves cough; removes toxin and reduces swelling.

Indications

Pulmonary tuberculosis with cough; unnamed toxic swellings; impetigo; traumatic injuries; fractures.

Modern Pharmacology

Dedicated pharmacological research on Eurya Leaf remains insufficient. The following findings are mainly derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on plants of the genus Eurya and preliminary explorations, and are provided for reference: Aldose reductase inhibitory effect: The extracts of the stems and leaves of Eurya groffii exhibit significant inhibitory activity against aldose reductase, comparable to that of the positive control 3,3-tetramethyleneglutaric acid (TMG). Aldose reductase inhibitory activity is closely related to the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications, suggesting that Eurya Leaf has potential value for development as a therapeutic agent for diabetic complications. Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and expectorant effects: Modern pharmacological studies indicate that Eurya Leaf possesses antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antitussive, and expectorant effects, consistent with its traditional effects of resolving Phlegm, relieving cough, removing toxin, and reducing swelling. Hemostatic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antitumor effects: Modern pharmacological research suggests that Eurya Leaf also possesses hemostatic, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antitumor effects, but dedicated research data remain insufficient. Collagen synthesis-promoting effect: The ethanol/water extract of Eurya Leaf has shown the potential to increase collagen content in skin fibroblast experiments, providing a preliminary basis for its application in skin repair. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from comprehensive studies on the genus Eurya or preliminary experiments. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Eurya Leaf (the leaf of E. groffii) is still ongoing. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.

Ingredients

Systematic chemical studies on Eurya Leaf remain insufficient. According to available data, its active constituents mainly include: Flavonoids: Plants of the genus Eurya commonly contain flavonoids, which are the principal material basis for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. Triterpenoids: Related species of the same genus contain triterpenoid constituents with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other activities. Volatile oils: The leaves of Eurya species contain volatile oil constituents. Phenolic acids: The material basis for antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Note: Systematic chemical studies on Eurya Leaf are extremely limited. The above constituents are largely inferred from common studies on the genus Eurya. Chemical studies on the related species Eurya chinensis have isolated triterpenoids, flavonoids, coumarins, and other constituents, but dedicated chemical studies on Eurya Leaf remain to be further conducted.

Usage & Dosage

Oral use: Decocted in water, 10–15 g. External use: Appropriate amount. Fresh material is pounded and applied topically; or decocted in water for washing.

Contraindications

Use with caution in individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Not suitable for long-term or high-dose use. Use with caution in individuals with an allergic constitution. Individuals with severely broken skin or an allergic constitution should avoid external use.

Selected Formulas

For pulmonary tuberculosis cough (Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian) Take 9–15g of Gangling leaf. Decoct in water and drink. For traumatic swelling and pain (Guangxi Bencao Xuanbian) Take fresh Gangling leaves, crush, stir-fry with wine, and apply externally.

Medicinal Parts

Leaf.

Selection & Storage

After sun-drying, store in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. Fresh material should be used promptly or refrigerated for short-term storage.