A zoo in China is selling tiger urine for Rs 600, claiming it treats arthritis

The zoo suggests mixing the tiger urine with white wine and applying it with ginger slices or consuming it orally, but advises stopping if allergies occur.

By: Express Web Desk
Updated: January 27, 2025 08:16 PM IST

3 min read

The practice quickly went viral on Chinese social media, amassing over 35 million views. (Express photo/ Representational)

A Chinese zoo has drawn public attention and criticism after selling tiger urine as a purported remedy for rheumatism. The Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo in Sichuan province, a self-proclaimed “world-class” tourist attraction, has been marketing 250g bottles of Siberian tiger urine for 50 yuan (₹595) each.

The product claims to alleviate conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain. The zoo recommends mixing the urine with white wine and applying it to affected areas with ginger slices. Alternatively, it suggests oral consumption but advises discontinuation if allergic reactions occur.

Zoo staff told local media that the urine is collected in basins after the tigers urinate. However, it remains unclear whether the product undergoes any disinfection before sale.

Despite the unusual offering, sales have reportedly been low, with a maximum of two bottles sold per day.

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The practice quickly went viral on Chinese social media, amassing over 35 million views. Reactions have been mixed, with some expressing curiosity and others raising health and safety concerns. A visitor commented on Chinese social media, “I bought some for my dad out of curiosity, but have not seen any effect.” Another asked, “Will the urine not spread bacteria? It is just gross to think about.”

What do experts say?

An anonymous pharmacist from Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital dismissed the medicinal claims, stating that tiger urine is not part of traditional Chinese medicine and lacks proven therapeutic effects. “Exaggerating its value without evidence distorts traditional Chinese medicine and harms tiger conservation,” he told South China Morning Post.

A traditional Chinese medicine practitioner also questioned the zoo’s qualifications to sell medicinal products, noting that all medicines must be approved by government regulators. Zoo staff, however, insisted they possess the necessary business license.

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Historically, tiger bones have been cited in Chinese medical texts as treatments for rheumatism and epilepsy, though their use has been banned by the Chinese government. The claims surrounding tiger bones and other tiger-derived products remain controversial and unaccepted in Western medical circles.

(With inputs from South China Morning Post)

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