The Chinese government is recommending an injection containing bear bile to treat severe and critical symptoms of the coronavirus, National Geographic reported.
The recommendation appeared in a list published March 4 by China’s National Health Commission, which is responsible for China’s national health policy. Tan Re Qing is an injection that includes the fluid secreted by a bear’s liver and is stored in the gallbladder. It contains a significant amount of ursodeoxycholic acid, which is proven to help dissolve gallstones and treat liver disease, according to National Geographic.
Less than a month ago, the Chinese government took steps to permanently ban the trade and consumption of live wild animals for food, making the decision to include the usage of Asiatic black bears and brown bears for the injection contradictory, National Geographic reported.
Bear bile farming is banned but it is legal to raise the animals as pets (HOANG DINH NAM/AFP via Getty Images)
The decision to ban the consumption and farming of wild animals came amid the outbreak of the coronavirus, which is believed to have originated at a wildlife market in Wuhan. After civet cats were discovered to have likely transferred the SARS virus to humans, Chinese officials launched a crackdown on restaurants offering civets for consumption, Reuters reported in 2007.
Bile from bears has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since at least the eighth century. The World Health Organization says no cure exists for the coronavirus.
Many animals in China are poached, imported, and exported illegally for food, medicine, trophies, and pets. The Chinese traditional medicine industry relies heavily on ancient belief in the healing powers of animal parts, which drive the trade, according to National Geographic. Use of bear bile from captive animals is legal in China, but bile from wild bears is banned. Wildlife advocates worry that China’s use of the injections will increase trade in illegal wildlife products and justify animal abuse. (RELATED: Trudeau Sent 17 Tons Of Coronavirus Protective Supplies To China — Now Canada Running Low)