Some Endangered Animals and TCM

Endangered animals and the used parts Traditional usages Substitute/
Cultivation
Remarks
Tiger bone Tiger bone has been used in wines, plasters, and manufactured medicines to treat arthritis and other joint ailments. Dog bone (Chinese) and pig bone (Chinese) has been determined to have effects similar to tiger bone. Banned
Rhinoceros horn Decocted rhinoceros horn is used in TCM to treat fever, convulsions, and delirium. Chemical analysis demonstrates that buffalo horn has similar constituents to rhinoceros horn. Banned
Antelope horn
Saiga tatarica
The horn is effective in neural or cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, delirium and fever. Goat horn is used as substitute. In China, the storage of antelope horn is closely monitored, no more new supply is allowed.
Musk
Moschus berezovskii Moschus sifanicus
Moschus moschiferus
Musk is the dried secretion from the musk sac of the adult male musk deer. It is used to resuscitate, promote circulation and to relieve pain. Synthetic musk is now widely used in China instead of natural musk from the musk deer. Experiments show that this synthetic substance has similar angina- relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. In China, the storage of musk is closely monitored, no more new supply is allowed. And it is only permitted for emergency use.
Bear bile
Selenarctos thibetanus
Ursus arctos
Bear bile is used to treat a wide variety of illnesses like injuries, liver and gallbladder diseases and vision problems, convulsions and painful conditions. Captive breeding is very successful, and can meet the needs of TCM.  
Seahorse This is used to reinforce overall functioning, and treat circulatory problems as well as impotence. Domestication has been tried but has yet to be proved effective.  
Deer horn, tendons, sex organ, blood and meat
Cervus
nippon
Cervus elaphus
It reinforces overall functioning, tonifies the vital essence and blood, and strengthens bones and muscles. Chinese researchers have successfully introduced domestically bred deer farms, and adequately meet the demand.  
Snakes (dried body)
Bungarus multicinctus
Zaocys dhumnades
Agkistrodon acutus
TCM used snakes to treat joint and limbs problems, also some skin and respiratory conditions. Domestication has been introduced.  
Pangolin scale
Manis pentadactyla
An ingredient for women problems like breast cancer, mastitis, endometriosis, and fibrocystic breast disease.    
Toad secretions
Bufo bufo gargarizans
Bufo melanostictus
Antidote the poison and enhance cardiovascular, usually indicate for skin infections and tropical applications. Domestication has been introduced.  
Tokay
Gekko gecko
It reinforces overall functioning, and helps relieve asthmatic condition.    
Tortoise shell
Plastrum testudinis
It nourishes the body, and strengthens physique. Domestication can already supply the demand.  

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