Trionyx sinensis (Wiegmann)
Aliases：Jiǎ Yú (Armor Fish), Tuán Yú (Round Fish), Shuǐ Yú (Water Fish), Yuán Yú (Round Fish), Shén Shǒu (Spirit Guardian), Jiǎo Yú (Foot Fish).
Biē Ròu (Soft-shelled Turtle Meat) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the meat of Trionyx sinensis (Wiegmann) (Chinese soft-shelled turtle) or Trionyx steindachneri Siebenrock (wattle-necked soft-shelled turtle), animals belonging to the family Trionychidae.
Efficacy & Actions
Nourishes Yin and tonifies the Kidneys; clears and reduces deficiency heat; nourishes Yin and cools the blood; supplements Qi and raises the middle (with a lifting effect).
Indications
虚劳羸瘦（身体虚弱、消瘦） 骨蒸痨热（虚劳发热，如同热自骨内蒸出） 久疟、久痢（长期不愈的疟疾和痢疾） 崩漏带下（女性异常出血和白带过多） 瘰疬（颈部淋巴结核） 亦可治脚气、脱肛、心腹坚癥（腹部肿块）等。
Modern Pharmacology
Studies have shown that soft-shelled turtle meat contains proteins, polypeptides, and other components, and exhibits anti-liver fibrosis, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumor, and hypoglycemic effects.
Ingredients
Components with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity have been found in the enzymatic hydrolysates of soft-shelled turtle meat, which may help regulate blood pressure. Its chemical constituents include proteins, fats, vitamins A, B₁, B₂, niacin, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and others.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: cook and eat, 250–500 g; or make into pills for consumption.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Spleen-Stomach Yang deficiency. Pregnant women should use with caution or avoid use altogether. Contraindicated during the early stages of a cold or in cases of severe cold-dampness internally. It should not be consumed together with amaranth, eggs, oranges, or rabbit meat.
Selected Formulas
For bone‑steaming consumptive fever (empirical formula) Take one soft‑shelled turtle (eviscerated), together with 9g each of Digupi (Lycium root bark), Shengdi (Rehmannia root), and Mudanpi (Moutan bark). Stew in water and drink the soup.
Daily Consumption
The most common methods are lightly stewing and making soup. It may be cooked together with other tonic herbs such as goji berries and Chinese yam. It is recommended that healthy individuals consume no more than 200 g per week.
Medicinal Parts
The meat of Trionyx sinensis (Chinese soft-shelled turtle) or Trionyx steindachneri (wattle-necked soft-shelled turtle), animals belonging to the family Trionychidae.
Selection & Storage
Use fresh or refrigerate.
