A Chinese zoo has sparked controversy after offering tiger urine as a supposed remedy for rheumatism. The Yaan Bifengxia Wildlife Zoo, located in Sichuan province and calling itself a “world-class” tourist destination, has been selling 250g bottles of Siberian tiger urine for 50 yuan (₹595) each.
The product claims to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, and muscle pain. According to the zoo, the urine can be mixed with white wine and applied to affected areas using ginger slices. It also suggests oral consumption but cautions users to stop if allergic reactions occur.
Zoo staff told local media that the urine is collected in basins after the tigers urinate, though it is unclear whether the product undergoes any disinfection process before being sold.
Despite the unusual nature of the offering, sales have been low, with a maximum of two bottles reportedly sold per day.
The practice gained widespread attention on Chinese social media, garnering over 35 million views and sparking mixed reactions. While some expressed curiosity, others raised concerns about health and hygiene. One visitor commented online, “I bought some for my dad out of curiosity, but have not seen any effect.” Another questioned, “Will the urine not spread bacteria? It is just gross to think about.”
What do Experts say?
An anonymous pharmacist from the Hubei Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital has debunked the medicinal claims surrounding tiger urine, asserting that it is not recognized as part of traditional Chinese medicine and lacks any 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 raised doubts about the zoo’s qualifications to sell medicinal products, emphasizing that all medicines must be approved by government regulators. In response, zoo staff maintained that they have the required business license to sell their offerings.
Historically, tiger bones have been referenced in Chinese medical texts as remedies for rheumatism and epilepsy, but their use has been banned by the Chinese government. Claims regarding the medicinal properties of tiger bones and other tiger-derived products remain contentious and are not accepted in Western medical practices.