Adeps Trionycis
Aliases：Biē Gāo (Turtle Paste, from Bencao Shiyi), Biē Yóu (Turtle Oil, from Modern Practical Chinese Medicine).
Biē Zhī (Soft-shelled Turtle Fat) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the fat of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx sinensis (Wiegmann)) or the wattle-necked soft-shelled turtle (Trionyx steindachneri Siebenrock), animals belonging to the family Trionychidae. This medicinal material was first recorded in the Ming Dynasty Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu).
Efficacy & Actions
Nourishes Yin and enriches blood; promotes dark hair growth. It is considered a nourishing and strengthening agent.
Indications
Indicated for weakness and emaciation, and premature greying of hair.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern research has focused more on other parts of the turtle, such as the carapace (Biē Jiǎ). Turtle fat contains a relatively high proportion of fats and unsaturated fatty acids, which may be related to its traditional use as a nourishing and strengthening agent. However, specific modern pharmacological research on turtle fat itself remains limited.
Ingredients
Turtle fat mainly contains lipids and various fatty acids. Studies have shown that the fat of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle contains certain highly unsaturated fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: take with meals as a dietary supplement, in an appropriate amount.
Contraindications
Patients with hyperlipidemia, fatty liver, coronary heart disease, and other conditions should use with caution or avoid altogether—as turtle fat has a relatively high fat content, those who need to strictly control fat intake should avoid consumption. Use with caution during pregnancy and menstruation—it may affect uterine smooth muscle. Use with caution in those with weak digestive function—such as chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, or frequent diarrhea, as consumption may induce or worsen gastrointestinal discomfort. Use with caution in those with damp-heat constitution or externally-contracted fever—it may promote dampness and generate heat. Use with caution in those with allergic predisposition—contraindicated in those allergic to turtle products. Use with caution in children and adolescents—a balanced diet is more important; there is no need to supplement with such oils.
Selected Formulas
For trichiasis (inverted eyelashes) (Bencao Mengquan) Apply soft‑shelled turtle fat to the hair follicles after plucking the inverted lashes, to prevent regrowth; if inverted lashes are irritating the eyeball, this method may be used to remove the problem. For nourishing and strengthening (Modern Practical Chinese Medicine) Take soft‑shelled turtle fat orally as a tonic for nourishment and strengthening.
Daily Consumption
As a side dish: It can be consumed in moderation as part of the daily diet. Used fresh: After capture, the turtle is killed, the abdomen is opened, and the fat is removed and used fresh.
Medicinal Parts
Fat.
Selection & Storage
Use fresh, or store at low temperature to prevent spoilage.
