Oriental arborvitae

Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Botanical Classification

1.1 Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Platycladus orientalis is the sole species of a monotypic genus of evergreen coniferous trees in the cypress family Cupressaceae, also known as Chinese thuja, Oriental arborvitae, Chinese arborvitae, biota, or Oriental thuja. The species was previously classified under the genus Thuja and is still commonly referred to as Thuja orientalis. Additional accepted synonyms include Biota orientalis (L.) Endl. and Thuja orientalis L. (1753). Its closest relative is Microbiota, with both genera only distantly related to Thuja, where Linnaeus originally placed this species.

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), distinct plant parts carry specific Chinese names. The leaves or leafy twigs are known as Cebaiye (侧柏叶), the seeds as Bai Zi Ren (柏子仁), and the dried leafy branch tips as Cacumen Platycladi. The Chinese common name is 侧柏 (ce bai), while in Japanese it is known as コノテガシワ.

1.2 Natural Distribution and Plant Description

P. orientalis is native to northeastern parts of East Asia and North Asia, but is also now naturalized as an introduced species in other regions of the Asian continent. The tree is native to China, Japan, North Korea, and a few isolated populations in Northeastern Iran. A monoecious tree, it is small and slow-growing, reaching 15–20 m (49–66 ft) and 3–5 m (9.8–16.4 ft) trunk diameter. The foliage forms in flat sprays with scale-like leaves 2–4 mm long, which are bright green in colour but may turn brownish, yellow-green, or coppery orange in winter. The cones are 1.5–2.5 cm long, are pale-green when young, then ripen to brown in about eight months from pollination, and have 6–12 thick scales arranged in opposite pairs.

1.3 Medicinal Plant Parts and Common Preparations

The seeds, leaves, and leafy twigs are used to make medicine. In traditional medicine, particularly in TCM, the seeds and leaves of the tree are used, with the seeds referred to as Bai Zi Ren. The seeds are rich in fatty oils, resins, saponins, and flavonoids, while the leaves contain volatile oils such as pinene, cedrol, and camphene.

Common forms and preparations include:

• Dried leaf/twig decoction: The dried leafy twigs (Cebaiye) are traditionally boiled as a tea or decoction and administered orally or topically.
• Charred leaf preparation: In clinical practice, leaves were usually prescribed with heat-clearing herbs to reinforce the efficacy of hemostasis.
• Seed preparations (Bai Zi Ren): Oriental arborvitae seeds are most commonly used to calm the spirit, nourish the heart yin, moisten the intestines, and relieve constipation, especially in the elderly or those with deficiency-type dryness.
• Essential oil: Leaves, wood, bark, and seed shells of P. orientalis have been steam-distilled and the resulting essential oils and their constituents analysed by GC/MS.
• Topical tincture: Compound Platycladus orientalis tincture (CPT), an ethanol-based polyherbal formulation consisting of Platycladi Cacumen, Szechwan Chinaberry Fruit, and Herba Speranskiae Tuberculatae, has been used clinically as an in-hospital topical preparation for hair loss.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Platycladus orientalis leaves (Cebaiye) have been used for thousands of years as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to the theory of TCM, they are categorized as a blood-cooling and hematostatic herb. The leaves are listed in the 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia for their bitter and cold properties. The plant has medical importance and association with long life and vitality in the ancient traditional medicine system of China.

The seeds (Bai Zi Ren) occupy a distinct role in TCM. Platycladus orientalis seeds are recorded in TCM formulations for modulation of mood and physical activity in "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing" and "Compendium of Materia Medica." The seeds are commonly used for the treatment of insomnia, palpitations, and night sweats, and have been a main ingredient of the traditional insomnia formula used since the Ming dynasty, Tin Wang Bu Xin Dan.

The broader range of traditional leaf uses included respiratory conditions. As a Chinese traditional herbal medicine, leaves of P. orientalis are used to treat coughs, excessive mucus secretion, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and asthma. Traditionally, the plant was used in diseases such as acute vaginal bleeding, flu, bacillary dysentery, hypertension, insomnia, skin lightening, lymphoid tuberculosis, suppurative mastitis, whooping cough, and tinea manuum. It was also used as a food additive and in the treatment of rheumatism, gout, diarrhea, and chronic tracheitis.

Traditional Chinese medical classics believe that Cacumen Platycladi (Platycladus orientalis leaf) has the effect of promoting hair growth and regenerating black hair. Platycladi Cacumen, described as nourishing kidney essence and promoting hair growth, has been widely used for alopecia treatment for centuries.

2.2 Korean and Other East Asian Traditional Medicine

In the Chinese system of herbal medicine, the plant is used as a cough remedy, expectorant, and hemostatic; it is also used as a hypotensor, hemostatic, and expectorant in the Korean folk medicinal system. Platycladus orientalis is a traditional oriental herbal medicinal plant that is widely used as a component of complex prescriptions for alopecia treatment in Eastern Asia.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

3.1 Overview of Phytochemical Classes

Recently, P. orientalis has garnered medicinal attention as a source of monoterpenes, diterpenes, flavonoids, and lignans. Existing research highlights the therapeutic potential of P. orientalis due to its rich composition of bioactive compounds — including flavonoids, lignans, terpenoids, and essential oils — that have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties in various pathological contexts.

3.2 Flavonoids

Diterpenes and flavonoids are identified as the active constituents in P. orientalis leaves. Platycladus orientalis also contains flavonoids as active phytoconstituents used as antioxidants and anti-hyperuricemia agents. Key flavonoids identified in the plant include quercetin, myricetin, amentoflavone, apigenin, and quercitrin. Investigation of P. orientalis yielded five flavonoids, including aglycone flavone apigenin, flavone glycoside apigenin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, and new geranylated flavone glycosides. Biflavonoids (e.g., amentoflavone, robustaflavone) have been correlated with nitric oxide (NO) inhibition activity.

3.3 Diterpenes

Through a series of chromatography procedures combined with activity-guided fractionation, researchers isolated and identified a total of eleven compounds including four labdane-type diterpenes, six isopimarane-type diterpenes, and one sesquiterpene. Labdane-type diterpenes exhibit diverse pharmacological activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and hypolipidemic effects. Notably, the diterpene lambertianic acid has been the subject of recent research. The seed-specific diterpene isocupressic acid has also been identified. Four active compounds — communic acid, isocupressic acid, imbricatolic acid, and pinusolide — were identified using NMR spectroscopy from seed extract. Different diterpenes present in the plant are used as antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory agents.

3.4 Essential Oils and Terpenoids

Essential oils from leaves and seed shells contain more than 20 mono- and sesquiterpenes, the most important being alpha-pinene (constituting approximately 40% of the oil), delta-3-carene, and cedrol. Wood essential oil contains approximately 45% thujopsene and 21% cedrol. The major components of the bark essential oils are alpha-pinene (14%), delta-3-carene (16%), and thujopsene (13%). Notably, the essential oil also contains thujone, a biologically active monoterpene ketone.

3.5 Polysaccharides

Many polysaccharides are present as main phytoconstituents in P. orientalis. These polysaccharides are associated with anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, and immunological activities.

3.6 Seed-Specific Constituents

The components of seeds — fatty acids, diterpenoids, and saponins — are suggested to have effects on alleviating aging and age-related memory deficits.

4. Established Mechanisms of Action

4.1 Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

Experiments were carried out to investigate anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory activities of the chloroform fraction and pure compounds of LPO were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes in vitro, and production of TNF-α and nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. For the first time, assays of eicosanoids in intact cells showed that the chloroform fraction, hinokiol, and acacetin had significant inhibitory effects on 5-hydroxy-eicosa-tetra-enoic acid (5-HETE).

4.2 Hair Growth Mechanisms

In human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs), P. orientalis leaf extract (POLE) was found to stimulate their proliferation. POLE with higher quercitrin concentration showed a high level of cellular viability. In the context of cellular senescence, POLE decreased the expression of p16 (CDKN2A) and p21 (CDKN1A), resulting in enhanced proliferation. Growth factor receptors, FGFR1 and VEGFR2/3, and non-receptor tyrosine kinases ACK1 and HCK, were significantly activated. As a consequence, the expression of growth factors such as bFGF, KGF, and VEGF were also increased. The hair-growth-promoting effect was further investigated by topically administered POLE over a 12-week period. The data suggest that POLE could support terminal hair growth by stimulating proliferation of dermal papilla cells and that enhanced production of growth factors, especially KGF, occurred as a result of tyrosine kinase ACK1 activation.

4.3 Neuroprotective Mechanisms

P. orientalis seed extract (EPOS) inhibited Aβ-peptide aggregation in the hippocampus and reduced cognitive deficits in 5×FAD mice. However, the mechanisms of these effects were initially not characterized. To characterize the protective mechanisms, a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans CL4176 model was used for bioactivity-guided identification of active compounds. Four active compounds — communic acid, isocupressic acid, imbricatolic acid, and pinusolide — were identified using NMR spectroscopy. Isocupressic acid was shown to inhibit Aβ generation by modulating BACE1 activity via the GSK3β/NF-κB pathway in HEK293-APPsw cells.

4.4 Antioxidant Mechanisms

Platycladus orientalis flavonoids (POFs) effectively removed hydroxyl radicals from keratinocytes and had antioxidant properties. They also reduced UV-induced damage to AGA hair by mitigating the production of melanin free radicals. Following POF treatment, the reduction in peroxidized lipid loss in AGA hair was notable at 59.72%, effectively delaying the progression of hair color change.

4.5 Mechanism in Muscle Atrophy

Treatment with lambertianic acid (LA) from P. orientalis in dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes was investigated. Treatment with LA at concentrations of 25 µM and 50 µM significantly rescued myotube diameter and reduced the expression of atrophy-related proteins, including MuRF-1 and atrogin-1/MAFbx, without compromising cell viability at these moderate concentrations. These findings suggest that LA exerts protective effects against skeletal muscle atrophy. These mechanisms are closely related to pathways involved in muscle atrophy, such as a reduction in oxidative stress, the inhibition of NF-κB signaling, and the modulation of autophagy and proteasomal degradation.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Alopecia and Hair Growth

Hair growth promotion is among the most-researched applications in the peer-reviewed literature. Evidence spans in vitro, animal, and a limited number of clinical observations.

In vitro / Mechanistic Evidence: Platycladus orientalis is a traditional oriental herbal medicinal plant widely used as a component of complex prescriptions for alopecia treatment in Eastern Asia. The effect on hair growth and its underlying mechanism had not been demonstrated or clarified. In a cell-culture study, P. orientalis leaf extract was found to stimulate the proliferation of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs). POLE with higher quercitrin concentration showed a high level of cellular viability. POLE also decreased the expression of p16 (CDKN2A) and p21 (CDKN1A), resulting in enhanced proliferation.

Animal Evidence: In a 2025 study, a fraction (Fr2) of Platycladus orientalis L. was found to significantly enhance hair growth in mice. The same study isolated the compound (7E)-7,8-Dehydroheliobuphthalmin (DHHB) for the first time, with effects linked to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Antioxidant Effects on Hair Quality: A study examined POFs' effectiveness in treating AGA-affected hair and repairing UV-induced damage. Hair samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Results showed POFs effectively removed hydroxyl radicals from keratinocytes and had antioxidant properties. Following POF treatment, the reduction in peroxidized lipid loss in AGA hair was notable at 59.72%, thereby effectively delaying the progression of hair color change. Moreover, protein loss decreased by 191.1 µg/g and tryptophan loss by 15.03%, ultimately enhancing hair's tensile strength.

Clinical / Topical Compound Formulation Evidence: Compound Platycladus orientalis tincture (CPT), an ethanol-based polyherbal formulation consisting of Platycladi Cacumen, Szechwan Chinaberry Fruit, and Herba Speranskiae Tuberculatae, was characterized to elucidate its efficacy, preliminary safety profile, and mechanistic basis in promoting hair regrowth in preclinical models of androgenetic alopecia and cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia areata-like hair loss. Traditional application and clinical observations suggest that CPT may improve follicular microcirculation, exert anti-inflammatory effects, and promote hair growth.

Evidence Strength: Oriental arborvitae is used for male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Overall, evidence for hair growth is preliminary: mechanistic and animal studies are promising, but robust randomized controlled trials in human subjects are lacking.

5.2 Anti-Inflammatory Activity

As a Chinese traditional herbal medicine, leaves of P. orientalis are used to treat coughs, excessive mucus secretion, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and asthma. Experiments were carried out to investigate anti-inflammatory properties and mechanisms that could support traditional uses of treating inflammatory airway diseases. The anti-inflammatory activities of the chloroform fraction and pure compounds were evaluated for their abilities to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes in vitro, and production of TNF-α and nitric oxide in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, the arachidonic acid metabolites were also determined by HPLC.

Evidence Strength: Anti-inflammatory evidence is primarily in vitro and ex vivo. The PubMed-indexed 2012 study demonstrates mechanistic activity against key pro-inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, nitric oxide, 5-HETE, and COX-2 pathways. There are no published randomized controlled human clinical trials specifically for inflammatory conditions.

5.3 Neuroprotection, Cognition, and Mood

Platycladus orientalis seed is a traditional Chinese medicine used to enhance intelligence and slow aging. Platycladus orientalis seed extract (EPOS) was found to inhibit Aβ-peptide aggregation in the hippocampus and reduce cognitive deficits in 5×FAD mice. In modern research, the seeds of P. orientalis show their function mainly in sleep promotion, memory improvement, and neuroprotection. Extract of the seed can ameliorate the memorial deficit caused by the amygdala lesion in mice.

A study identified extracting components and looked for potential in treatment of depression by improving the function of monoamine neurotransmitters. The mechanism of action of seed extracts was investigated to rescue depressive behavior in a chronic, unpredicted, mild stress (CUMS)-induced model in rats.

Modern studies have also shown that P. orientalis can induce sedative and hypnotic effects, and ameliorate cognitive deficits caused by amygdala lesions in mice.

Evidence Strength: All neuroprotective, cognitive, and antidepressant evidence is derived from animal models (in vivo mouse/rat studies and C. elegans transgenic models) and in vitro cell studies. No human clinical trials exist in the current peer-reviewed literature.

5.4 Antimicrobial Activity

Leaf extracts have been shown to inhibit bacterial growth. Many different essential oils present in P. orientalis possess antimicrobial activity. In searching for natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides, a methanol extract of P. orientalis was found to suppress the disease development of rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae.

Evidence Strength: Antimicrobial activity is supported by in vitro studies. This evidence is preliminary and has not been translated into human clinical trials.

5.5 Antioxidant Activity

The leaves of P. orientalis possess antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory activity due to the presence of polyphenols. Multiple in vitro studies have confirmed free-radical scavenging properties of leaf flavonoid extracts. It has been reported that P. orientalis extracts have exhibited various activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities, and terpene compounds identified from the extracts have shown pharmacological activity.

Evidence Strength: Antioxidant activity is well-established at the in vitro level. Clinical translation in human subjects has not been demonstrated.

5.6 Anticancer Potential

The anti-angiogenic effect of P. orientalis was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase assay, and a significant effect on angiogenesis was found. The anticancer effect of P. orientalis leaf extract on human lung cancer cell line (A549) was determined by MTT and trypan blue methods. The results showed that P. orientalis extract could inhibit the growth of brain cancer cells. In a flavonoid study, compound 3 (a new geranylated flavone glycoside) showed high cytotoxic activity against tested cancer cell lines with no toxic effect on normal cells.

Evidence Strength: Anticancer evidence is at the level of cell-line (in vitro) and anti-angiogenic assay data only. No human clinical trials exist. These findings are exploratory and cannot be extrapolated to clinical outcomes.

5.7 Insomnia, Sedation, and Anxiety (Seeds)

Oriental arborvitae seeds are most commonly used to calm the spirit, nourish the heart yin, moisten the intestines, and relieve constipation. Bai Zi Ren is used to treat symptoms like palpitations, insomnia, night sweats, and anxiety. Animal studies suggest a hypnotic effect for the seeds.

Evidence Strength: Traditional use for insomnia and anxiolytic effects is long-established within TCM, but the current Western scientific evidence is confined to animal studies. No controlled human clinical trials have been published in the peer-reviewed literature.

5.8 Hemostasis and Bleeding

Platycladus orientalis leaves (Cebaiye) have been used for thousands of years as TCM, and are categorized as a blood-cooling and hematostatic herb. Many studies have provided evidence for various traditional uses. However, there is a great need for additional studies to elucidate the mechanism of blood-cooling and hematostatic activity of the leaves.

Evidence Strength: Hemostatic use is one of the most historically prominent TCM applications. The 2014 systematic review in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine identifies Chinese clinical reports documenting its use, but the quality of clinical evidence for hemostasis remains insufficient by modern standards.

5.9 Skeletal Muscle Protection

Treatment with lambertianic acid (LA) at concentrations of 25 µM and 50 µM significantly rescued myotube diameter and reduced the expression of atrophy-related proteins, including MuRF-1 and atrogin-1/MAFbx, without compromising cell viability. These findings suggest that LA derived from P. orientalis exerts protective effects against skeletal muscle atrophy, highlighting its potential as a promising natural therapeutic candidate for muscle-wasting disorders.

Evidence Strength: This is very preliminary, derived from a single 2025 in vitro study using C2C12 myotubes. No animal or human data exist yet.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association

Based on the research literature, Platycladus orientalis is associated with effects on the following body systems and health domains:

• Integumentary (Skin/Hair): The leaves show a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities including hair growth-promoting activity. Applications investigated include alopecia, UV-induced hair damage, and skin antimicrobial uses.
• Cardiovascular / Hematological: TCM use for hemostasis, cooling blood-heat, and addressing excessive bleeding is the historically dominant application of the leaf.
• Respiratory: Leaves are used in TCM to treat coughs, excessive mucus secretion, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and asthma.
• Neurological / Psychological: The seeds show function mainly in sleep promotion, memory improvement, and neuroprotection. Research has explored effects on Alzheimer's disease models and depression.
• Gastrointestinal: Seeds are used to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, especially in the elderly.
• Musculoskeletal: Lambertianic acid research points toward applications in muscle atrophy and rheumatic conditions within TCM practice.
• Immunological / Oncological: Polysaccharides present in the plant are used for anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, immunological activities.

7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

The following dosage information is drawn directly from the peer-reviewed research literature and source materials. No dosage recommendations are made here.

• Muscle Atrophy (in vitro): Lambertianic acid (LA) isolated from P. orientalis was tested at concentrations of 25 µM and 50 µM in C2C12 dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy cells.
• Hair growth (topical, in vivo animal): The hair-growth-promoting effect of topically administered P. orientalis leaf extract (POLE) was investigated over a 12-week period.
• Compound formulation for alopecia (TCM, in-hospital): Compound Platycladus orientalis tincture (CPT) was used as an in-hospital topical preparation. Exact dosage quantities are not specified in the available abstract data.
• Traditional multi-herb formula (Bai Zi Ren): In one documented TCM formula, Biota orientalis (Bai Zi Ren) extract is used at 24.9 mg alongside Rehmannia glutinosa extract at 30.9 mg, Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa extract at 24.9 mg, and Schizandra chinensis extract at 18.6 mg.

8. Safety Considerations and Interactions

8.1 Thujone Content and Toxicity

Oriental arborvitae contains a toxic compound called thujone. This compound can cause restlessness, mental changes, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, kidney damage, seizures, and other side effects, especially when taken long-term or in large amounts. The essential oil in this plant contains thujone. Thujone is a GABA receptor antagonist that allows neurons to fire more easily. In larger doses this can cause muscle spasms and convulsions, and can also be toxic to brain, kidney, and liver cells.

Side effects from consuming thujone can include sleeplessness and anxiety but, unless the pure essential oil is used, the quantity of thujone found in plants is well within safety levels. There are some legal restrictions in various countries on the quantity of thujone that can be added to foods and drinks and these vary between countries.

8.2 Dose-Dependent Adverse Effects

Oriental arborvitae might be unsafe when taken by mouth in large amounts. When taken by mouth, it is possibly safe when taken short-term in small amounts. Large doses can cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

8.3 Pregnancy

Women who are pregnant should never take these supplements due to the presence of thujone in Chinese arborvitae extracts. Pregnant women may be advised to restrict their use of thujone-containing plants.

8.4 Herb-Drug and Herb-Herb Interactions

Using oriental arborvitae along with other herbs that contain thujone increases the risk of thujone poisoning. Thujone can cause restlessness, mental changes, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, kidney damage, seizures, and other side effects. According to some traditional Chinese texts, biota seeds antagonize Chrysanthemum (Ju Hua).

8.5 Distinction Between Plant Parts

Biota seed (Bai Zi Ren) is not to be confused with biota leaf (Ce Bai Ye). The seeds are known for their calming and sedating properties, and the leaves are reputed to cool the blood and stop bleeding. The two plant parts have distinct chemical profiles and safety considerations: thujone is primarily concentrated in the leaf essential oil, while seed preparations contain principally fatty acids, diterpenoids, and saponins.

8.6 Evidence Limitations and Regulatory Status

The present review on botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and toxicity has provided only preliminary information for further studies of this herb. Oriental arborvitae is used for male-pattern baldness, pain, hemorrhoids, abnormally heavy bleeding during menstrual periods, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. The predominance of in vitro and animal studies means that the full clinical safety and efficacy profile in humans remains to be established through adequately powered controlled trials.

References

• Shan MQ et al. "Platycladus orientalis leaves: a systemic review on botany, phytochemistry and pharmacology." American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2014. PubMed PMID: 24871649
• Cho CH et al. "Lambertianic Acid from Platycladus orientalis Inhibits Muscle Atrophy in Dexamethasone-Induced C2C12 Muscle Atrophy Cells." Plants (Basel), 2025. PMC12073373
• Yan L et al. "Modulation of the Aβ-Peptide-Aggregation Pathway by Active Compounds From Platycladus orientalis Seed Extract in Alzheimer's Disease Models." Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 2020. PMC7456918
• Yan L et al. "Modulation of the Aβ-Peptide-Aggregation Pathway by Active Compounds From Platycladus orientalis Seed Extract in Alzheimer's Disease Models." PubMed PMID: 32922281
• Fan et al. "The anti-inflammatory activities of an extract and compounds isolated from Platycladus orientalis (Linnaeus) Franco in vitro and ex vivo." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2012. PubMed PMID: 21619922
• Kim J et al. "Platycladus orientalis Leaf Extract Promotes Hair Growth via Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ACK1 Activation." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024. PMC11505925
• Study on "Antioxidant Properties of Platycladus orientalis Flavonoids for Treating UV-Induced Damage in Androgenetic Alopecia Hair." PMC11206777
• Kim J et al. "Platycladus orientalis Leaf Extract Promotes Hair Growth via Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ACK1 Activation." Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 2024. MDPI
• "(7E)-7,8-Dehydroheliobuphthalmin from Platycladus orientalis L.: Isolation, Characterization, and Hair Growth Promotion." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2025. MDPI
• "Compound Platycladus orientalis tincture promotes hair regrowth and is associated with hair-cycle progression and Wnt/β-catenin-related signaling." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2026. ScienceDirect
• Yan L et al. "Platycladus orientalis seed extract as a potential triple reuptake MAO inhibitor rescue depression phenotype through restoring monoamine neurotransmitters." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2022. PubMed PMID: 35489661
• "Plant Disease Control Efficacy of Platycladus orientalis and Its Antifungal Compounds." Plants (Basel), 2021. PMC8400505
• "Effects of Platycladus orientalis Leaf Extract on the Growth Performance, Fur-Production, Serum Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Raccoon Dogs." PMC10571531
• "New cytotoxic flavonoids from aerial parts of Platycladus orientalis L." PubMed PMID: 30600693
• Wikipedia: Platycladus
• Gymnosperm Database / Conifers.org: Platycladus orientalis
• World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF): Platycladus orientalis species profile (PDF)
• IJSDR: "A Systematic Review on Platycladus orientalis," 2022
• IRJMETS: "A Review on: Platycladus orientalis Pharmacology," 2023
• Hong Kong Medical Journal, 2001: TCM herbs for insomnia (including Platycladus orientalis/Bai Zi Ren)
• WebMD Vitamins & Supplements: Oriental Arborvitae monograph
• Useful Temperate Plants Database: Platycladus orientalis
• U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Oriental Arborvitae (Platycladus orientalis)