Ce Bai Ye for Hair: The Evergreen Behind an Eastern Scalp Ritual

An evergreen leaf, a centuries-old hair-care record, and a modern morning mist: Ce Bai Ye (侧柏叶) connects all three. Known botanically as Platycladus orientalis, this plant holds an enduring place in Chinese materia medica and in contemporary research on the hair-growth cycle. In CYN-SILK No.01 Anchoring Mist ($42), it also has a precise place on the ingredient list: Platycladus Orientalis Leaf Extract.

For anyone exploring Chinese herbs for hair, Ce Bai Ye is an ideal place to begin. Its story can be followed from the flattened shape of its evergreen sprays to classical washing records in the Bencao Gangmu, through four generations of published scientific papers (2013–2026), and finally to the light, non-greasy feel of everyday morning scalp care.

Meet the Leaf: What Is Ce Bai Ye?

Look closely at a branch of Platycladus orientalis. The foliage forms flattened, vertical sprays, with small scale-like leaves held close to the branchlets. The Chinese name Ce Bai Ye (侧柏叶, "sideways cypress leaf") draws attention to that distinctive flattened growth. In pharmacological papers, the dried leafy twigs are also referred to as Cacumen Platycladi (while the seed kernel of the same tree is recorded separately as Bai Zi Ren).

In older botanical books and laboratory studies, you will frequently encounter two historical synonyms—Thuja orientalis and Biota orientalis. Both names refer to the exact same species accepted today in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew botanical record as Platycladus orientalis. Knowing all four names (Ce Bai Ye, Cacumen Platycladi, Thuja orientalis, and Platycladus orientalis) lets you follow the full research trail across decades.

Why Ce Bai Ye Appears in Chinese Hair-Care History

Li Shizhen's 16th-century compendium, the Bencao Gangmu (Wood Division, Part One, Bai Entry), gives the plant extensive attention. Its entry discusses botanical identification, the evergreen character of the foliage through winter cold, and the distinct preparations of the tree's leaves and seeds. Within the leaf records, historical hair-related recipes describe both aqueous washes and oil-based preparations applied to the head.

That historical archive reminds us that working with a botanical involves three connected choices: which plant part is selected, how it is extracted, and how it is applied in daily life.

Ce Bai Ye Hair Growth Research: What Has Been Studied (2013–2026)?

Research into Platycladus orientalis becomes clearest when we examine what each study actually tested—moving from whole hot-water leaf extracts in mice, to isolated volatile compounds, to cultured dermal papilla cells, and finally to human cosmetic serum trials.

(Note: The studies summarized below examine the specific experimental extracts and test formulations prepared by each research team; they are not clinical trials of CYN-SILK No.01 Anchoring Mist.)

Summary of Published Platycladus orientalis Research

2013: Thuja orientalis Hot-Water Extract Study

Zhang, Park, and Park applied a hot-water leaf extract topically to the shaved backs of mice. They reported earlier transition from the resting (telogen) phase into the active growing (anagen) phase, alongside increased expression of β-catenin and Sonic hedgehog proteins. Read the 2013 study.

2016: Investigating Cedrol as an Individual Constituent

A subsequent 2016 study isolated cedrol from the leaves and evaluated its topical effects in mice—narrowing the chemical question from the whole water extract to a specific constituent. View the original cedrol study, 2016 →.

2023: Dermal Papilla Cell Signaling and Published Correction

Fu and colleagues studied a water extract of Cacumen Platycladi in mice (via intragastric administration) and in cultured dermal papilla cells, examining the Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway. An Akt inhibitor reduced those cellular responses, testing the proposed pathway. A subsequent published correction replaced duplicated zero-hour images in Figure 7B, noting that the study's conclusions remained unchanged (Study · Correction).

View Original 2023 Study & Published Correction PDF Pages (Click to Expand)

Source image: Publisher PDF, page 1. Fu et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology 14:1038039 (CC BY). Open full research paper → · Open original PDF →

Source image: Fu et al., published correction, page 1 (CC BY). Read the correction →

2026: A Twelve-Week Human Formulation Lead

Bai and colleagues' published 2026 abstract reports a twelve-week human study of a prepared Cacumen Platycladi extract serum (70 participants recruited, 60 randomized, 51 completed), reporting reduced hair shedding and increased local hair density compared with placebo as reported in the published abstract. View the original 2026 paper →.

From the Botanical Archive to Your Morning Routine

In CYN-SILK No.01 Anchoring Mist (75 ml · $42), Platycladus Orientalis Leaf Extract is formulated in a water-based morning spray rather than a heavy oil.

A fine veil of mist reaches the parting and settles quickly, leaving the roots feeling fresh rather than coated. Your hair keeps its natural movement as you get on with your morning.

Mist in the Morning, Elixir After Washing

While No.01 belongs to the morning ritual, CYN-SILK No.02 Flourishing Elixir (15 ml · $58) is our grapeseed-oil-based evening leave-in scalp elixir: after washing, apply a small amount to a clean, dry scalp, massage gently with finger pads, and leave it in overnight. Within a few minutes, No.02 feels absorbed into the scalp, giving the evening routine a calm, finished close.

For the full comparison, explore our Scalp Mist vs. Elixir Guide, or continue through The Ancient Hair Herbarium.

Common Questions About Ce Bai Ye

Is Ce Bai Ye the same plant as Thuja orientalis?

Yes. Thuja orientalis and Biota orientalis are older botanical names for the species accepted today by Kew as Platycladus orientalis. Ce Bai Ye (or Cacumen Platycladi) refers specifically to the leafy twigs used in traditional preparations.

Is Platycladus orientalis leaf extract an oil?

No. The ingredient name identifies a botanical leaf extract. The finished product's vehicle determines how it feels and behaves: CYN-SILK No.01 Anchoring Mist ($42) is a water-based morning spray, whereas CYN-SILK No.02 Flourishing Elixir ($58) is our separate grapeseed-oil-based evening leave-in elixir.

Where can I experience Ce Bai Ye in the J.N HERBACEOUS collection?

Look for Platycladus Orientalis Leaf Extract in CYN-SILK No.01 Anchoring Mist (75 ml · $42), or pair morning and evening care in the CYN-SILK No.01 + No.02 Scalp Ritual Duo ($100) (add No.03 or No.04 Botanical Soap ($24) to reach $124 and unlock free U.S. standard shipping).