The bear gallbladder, particularly its bile, has long been a subject of interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for various medicinal purposes. The demand for bear bile has created a complex situation, intersecting traditional healing practices, contemporary science, and ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and conservation. This topic requires exploring its historical roots, scientific basis, and the controversies surrounding its acquisition.
Traditional and Historical Use
The use of bear bile in Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back centuries, first mentioned in the Tang Ban Cao, a materia medica from 659 CE. Practitioners believed it could “clear heat” and treat ailments like liver conditions, fevers, inflammation, stomach and digestive disorders, and kidney problems.
Historically, bear bile was obtained from wild bears that were hunted and killed, with their gallbladders and contents removed. Once collected, it was prepared in various forms for medicinal use, including whole dried gallbladders, raw bile, powders, flakes, pills, and ointments.
The Science of Bear Bile
Modern science identifies ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as the primary active compound in bear bile. This naturally occurring secondary bile acid is produced in significant quantities by bears, making them unique among mammals.
In contemporary medicine, synthetic UDCA, also known as ursodiol, has recognized applications. It treats primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), a chronic autoimmune liver disease, and dissolves certain cholesterol gallstones. UDCA functions by reducing cholesterol saturation of bile, promoting bile flow, and protecting liver cells. It is a primary treatment for PBC, improving liver enzyme levels and potentially delaying liver transplantation. Additionally, it can prevent gallstone formation during rapid weight loss and is used for short-term treatment of non-calcified gallstones.
The Illegal Trade and Bear Farming
The demand for bear bile has led to two primary acquisition methods: illegal poaching of wild bears and bear farming. Bear farming emerged in the early 1980s, reportedly introduced to China by North Korea. Today, an estimated 12,000 bears are confined on farms across countries like China, South Korea, Laos, Vietnam, and Myanmar. These facilities often house bears in extremely small cages, preventing them from standing, sitting, or turning around.
The methods used to extract bile are invasive, causing severe pain and suffering. Bears may endure permanent fistulas or implanted catheters for repeated bile collection, leading to chronic infections, physical injuries, severe psychological distress, and muscle atrophy. The conservation impact is significant, as species like the Asiatic black bear (also known as the moon bear) and the sun bear are commonly exploited in these farms and are listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Poaching of wild bears persists because some consumers believe wild bile is more potent, and wild cubs are illegally sourced to replenish farm stock. International agreements, such as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I, prohibit the international commercial trade of parts from affected species like the Asiatic black bear and sun bear.
Modern Alternatives
Viable alternatives to bear bile are readily available, making the continued exploitation of bears unnecessary. The active compound, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), can be synthesized in laboratories. This synthetic form, known generically as ursodiol, is widely distributed as a regulated prescription medication under various brand names. Synthetic UDCA can be produced using bile from other domesticated animals like cows or pigs, or entirely without animal ingredients, ensuring an ethical source. It is safe for use, even in children.
Traditional Chinese Medicine also offers numerous herbal alternatives, with over 30 recognized substitutes. Examples include Gardenia jasminoides, Scutellaria baicalensis, Coptis chinensis, Phellodendron amurense, Andrographis paniculata, and Rheum palmatum. Research indicates some herbal alternatives can be as effective, or even more effective, than bear bile for certain applications, such as coptis showing superior results against cancer cell lines. Animal welfare organizations promote these plant-based alternatives, highlighting compassionate solutions from both modern science and traditional practices.