Evidence supporting the use of: Chinese Pond Turtle
For the health condition: Convalescence
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
The use of Chinese Pond Turtle (Mauremys reevesii, also known as "Gui Ban" in traditional Chinese medicine) for convalescence is primarily justified by traditional practice rather than strong scientific evidence. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Gui Ban is considered a valuable tonic that nourishes yin, strengthens bones, and supports recovery after illness, injury, or periods of weakness. It is commonly included in classic TCM formulas intended to aid in the restoration of health and vitality during convalescence, especially when there are signs of yin deficiency such as night sweats, weakness, or low-grade fever.
Historical TCM texts, such as the "Shennong Bencao Jing," describe turtle plastron as beneficial for "replenishing essence," "supporting recovery," and "prolonging life." These uses are rooted in the conceptual framework of TCM, which emphasizes restoring the balance of vital substances in the body rather than targeting specific biomedical conditions. Modern pharmacological studies on Chinese Pond Turtle are limited and have not established clear biochemical mechanisms or robust clinical evidence to support its efficacy in convalescence. Most available studies focus on its nutritional content (such as proteins and minerals) and its theoretical effects, but these do not amount to scientific validation.
Therefore, while the use of Chinese Pond Turtle for convalescence is well-documented within traditional Chinese medicine, there is insufficient scientific evidence to substantiate its effectiveness by modern standards.
Other ingredients used for Convalescence
aloe veraalpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
arabinogalactan
astaxanthin
astragalus
Beta-Glucan
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
caterpillar mushroom
chlorella
colostrum
cordyceps
turmeric
elderberry
eleuthero
fish protein
garlic bulb
ginger
gotu kola
grape
green tea
iron
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-cysteine
l-glutamine
l-glycine
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pollen
pomegranate
protein
pyrroloquinoline disodium salt
quail egg
reishi mushroom
shiitake mushroom
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
whey protein
zinc
jiaogulan
bee pollen
lingzhi
haliotis
cistanche
ganoderma
royal jelly
fulvic acid
goji berry
algae
Alcohol
Animal Tissue
Antler
Ambergris
Auricularia
Albumin
Andrographis
Algal protein
Alkylglycerols
Animal protein
Butter
Blackthorn
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bone Marrow
Bovine Protein
Bacteria
BCAA
Bupleurum
Bird's nest
Chinese Mountain Ant
Coriolus mushroom
Codonopsis
Chinese Pond Turtle
Centella asiatica
Chicken
Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract
D-Ribose
Dipeptide
Egg
Elk antler
Euglena gracilis
Egg protein
fibroblast growth factor
Milk Protein
Mistletoe
Quinoa Protein
Other health conditions supported by Chinese Pond Turtle
ArthritisBackache
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Convalescence
Fatigue
Gout
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification
Nephritis
Pain (general remedies for)
Post Partum Weakness
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Wounds and Sores