Equus Asinus Gelatin Extract
Also known as: Donkey-hide gelatin, Colla corii asini, Ejiao, A'jiao, Equus asinus gelatin extract
Overview
Equus asinus gelatin extract, commonly known as Ejiao, is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the hide of the donkey (Equus asinus L.). It is prepared by stewing and concentrating donkey hide to produce a gelatin-like substance. Historically, Ejiao has been revered for its purported benefits in blood enrichment, immune support, and skin health. Modern scientific inquiry has begun to explore its properties, with in vitro studies suggesting potential anti-melanogenic (skin whitening) and antioxidant effects. While its traditional use is extensive, high-quality clinical trials on pure Ejiao are limited, with much of the current research being preclinical or based on its inclusion in complex herbal formulations. It is primarily recognized as a protein and peptide-based supplement, with its biochemical composition, including high protein and amino acid content, supporting its potential bioactivity.
Benefits
The primary evidence-based benefits of Equus asinus gelatin extract (Ejiao) are largely derived from in vitro studies. It has shown an anti-melanogenic effect by inhibiting tyrosinase activity and reducing melanin content in melanocytes, suggesting a potential for skin whitening. Additionally, it exhibits antioxidant properties by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in keratinocytes under oxidative stress. While traditional claims include blood enrichment and improved fertility, robust clinical evidence for these specific benefits of pure Ejiao is currently lacking. Some systematic reviews on herbal mixtures containing Ejiao have indicated improved immune function in cancer patients, but these findings cannot be solely attributed to Ejiao due to the complexity of the formulations. The quantitative clinical effect sizes and time course for these benefits are not well established due to the absence of large-scale randomized controlled trials.
How it works
Equus asinus gelatin extract primarily exerts its effects through the inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is a key enzyme in melanin synthesis. By inhibiting tyrosinase, Ejiao can reduce melanin production, leading to potential skin whitening effects. Its antioxidant properties are attributed to its ability to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skin cells, thereby mitigating oxidative stress. As a gelatin hydrolysate, it is believed to be digested into amino acids and peptides, which then interact with various biological pathways. While its primary interaction is with skin cells, particularly melanocytes and keratinocytes, there is some indication of systemic immune effects when used in combination therapies, though the specific molecular targets for these broader effects are less defined.
Side effects
Equus asinus gelatin extract is generally considered safe based on its long history of traditional use, with no major adverse effects consistently reported in the limited available studies. Common and uncommon side effects are not well documented in clinical trials. There are no well-established drug interactions, although caution is advised when used concurrently with anticoagulants due to traditional claims related to blood. Specific contraindications are not well defined in modern research, though traditional medicine may have certain restrictions. The safety of Ejiao in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, has not been established, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution due to the lack of specific safety data.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose and optimal dosage for Equus asinus gelatin extract have not been established in clinical trials due to a lack of standardized research. Traditional preparations vary widely, and there is no universally accepted dosing regimen in modern clinical research. Similarly, a maximum safe dose has not been defined. Traditionally, Ejiao is taken orally, often dissolved in warm water, and is typically used for chronic administration. It is available as a gelatin extract powder or in a dissolved form. As a protein-based supplement, its absorption requires protein digestion, but no specific cofactors are known to significantly enhance its absorption.
FAQs
Is Ejiao effective for skin whitening?
In vitro studies suggest that Ejiao can inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin, indicating potential skin whitening effects. However, robust clinical evidence in humans is currently lacking.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Traditional use suggests long-term safety, but modern clinical safety data, particularly from well-controlled trials, are insufficient to definitively confirm its safety for extended periods.
Can it improve immune function?
Some evidence from herbal mixtures containing Ejiao suggests immune benefits, but isolated Ejiao data are limited, making it difficult to attribute immune improvements solely to Ejiao.
How soon can one expect to see effects?
Due to the limited number of clinical trials on pure Ejiao, the time frame for observing its effects is currently unknown.
Research Sources
- https://researchopenworld.com/mechanisms-of-anti-melanogenic-and-proliferative-effects-of-colla-corii-asini-ejiao/ – This in vitro study investigated the effects of Colla corii asini (Ejiao) on B16-F10 melanocytes and HaCaT keratinocytes. It found that Ejiao inhibited tyrosinase activity and melanin synthesis, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) under oxidative stress, suggesting potential anti-melanogenic and antioxidant properties. The study's limitation is its in vitro nature, meaning results may not directly translate to human clinical outcomes.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11483700/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of herbal medicines, including those containing Ejiao, on immune function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. While some immune improvements were observed, Ejiao was part of complex herbal formulas, making it difficult to isolate its specific contribution. The study highlighted heterogeneity among included trials and the lack of isolated Ejiao RCTs as limitations.
- https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/ddt/8/5/8_2014.01038/_pdf – This chemical analysis study characterized the composition of Colla corii asini, identifying high protein content (74.56%-84.94%) and a specific amino acid profile, including hydroxyproline. This research provides a biochemical basis for Ejiao's potential bioactivity as a gelatin hydrolysate but does not offer direct clinical efficacy data. It supports the understanding of Ejiao's fundamental components.
Supplements Containing Equus Asinus Gelatin Extract
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