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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.

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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.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter; traditional use splits it across the day.
With food?Dissolve it in warm liquid and take it with or after food — the rich, greasy preparations commonly upset an empty stomach.
Worth knowingAsk the seller for DNA authentication, since testing of commercial Ejiao repeatedly finds other animal hides substituted.

Frequently asked questions

Does ejiao help anemia?

Ejiao is not a treatment for iron-deficiency anaemia: it is collagen-derived gelatin and not a meaningful iron source. One small trial in 72 pregnant women with thalassaemia found 15 g daily raised haemoglobin versus no treatment, but it lacked a placebo and has not been replicated.

How much ejiao per day?

The single randomized trial of ejiao used 15 g per day; traditional use is 3–9 g daily dissolved in warm liquid. Take it with or after food, since the rich preparations often upset an empty stomach.

Is ejiao real donkey hide?

Not always: DNA testing of commercial ejiao has repeatedly found substitution with other animal hides, so ask the seller for DNA authentication. There are also substantial animal-welfare concerns about the donkey-skin trade.

Scientific references

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