Limited evidenceWomen's health

Ejiao (Donkey-Hide Gelatin)

Gelatin made by boiling donkey hide, used in Chinese medicine as a blood tonic for anaemia and skin. One small randomized trial in pregnant women with thalassaemia found a rise in haemoglobin; beyond that the evidence is preclinical, and the product carries serious ethical and sourcing problems.

Evidence last reviewed: August 2026

What the science says

Raised haemoglobin in pregnant thalassaemia patients Limited evidence
A randomized study of 72 pregnant women with beta-thalassaemia found 15 g of Colla corii asini daily significantly increased haemoglobin and serum iron compared with an untreated control group. The control group received no treatment rather than placebo, so expectation and attention effects cannot be excluded, and the trial has not been replicated.
Blood-building effect is otherwise preclinical Limited evidence
Work on low-molecular-weight Ejiao peptides showed reduced chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in animal models and identified candidate bioactive peptides. This is mechanistic animal research, not clinical evidence.
Not a treatment for iron-deficiency anaemia Limited evidence
Ejiao is collagen-derived gelatin and is not a meaningful source of iron; the thalassaemia trial found serum ferritin unchanged. Diagnosed anaemia needs a cause identified and treated, not a tonic.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseThe single randomized trial used 15 g per day. Traditional use is 3–9 g daily dissolved in warm liquid or wine. Commercial Ejiao products vary widely in purity.

SafetyGelatin is generally well tolerated but heavy or greasy preparations commonly cause digestive upset, and traditional practice cautions against use during acute illness or with poor digestion. Authenticity is a genuine problem: DNA testing of commercial Ejiao has repeatedly found substitution with other animal hides. There are also substantial animal-welfare concerns about the global donkey-skin trade, which readers may wish to weigh before buying.

Scientific references

Therapeutic effect of Colla corii asini on improving anemia and hemoglobin compositions in pregnant women with thalassemia
Li Y, He H, Yang L — Int J Hematol, 2016
Blood-supplementing effect of low molecular weight peptides of E-Jiao on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression: evaluation of pharmacological activity and identification of bioactive peptides released in vivo
Zhang J, Lin D, Wu Y — Front Pharmacol, 2024

Where to buy

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