Amentoflavone, naturally occurring biflavonoid, isolated from the leaves of Ginko biloba, selectively inhibited human seceretory phospholipase $A_2$. This compound potently and irreversibly inhibited human group IIA in a dose dependent manner with an $IC_50$ about $3;{mu}M$. Amentoflavone inhibited phospholipase $A_2$ by a noncompetitive manner with the apparent Ki value of $1{ imes}10^{-5}M$. In addition, the inhibitory activity of amentoflavone is rather specific against group IIA phospholipase $A_2$ than group IB phospholipase $A_2$. Furthermore, this compound strong inhibit histamine release from $A_{23187}$ treated rat peritoneal mast cells. These results indicate naturally occurring biflavonoid represents a novel anti-inflammatory agent.