Beijing, April 23 (Xinhua) — After a hiatus of over two decades, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has initiated a pilot program to resume the import of ox gallstones, a move expected to alleviate supply pressures on this crucial traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ingredient. The pilot program encompasses 12 provinces and municipalities, including Beijing and Tianjin.
Natural ox gallstones, known as niuhuang in Chinese, are a highly valued and scarce TCM material. They are a key component in many essential TCM formulas, most notably Angong Niuhuang Wan, a widely used remedy for acute febrile diseases.
The scarcity of natural niuhuang has been a persistent challenge in recent years. The limited supply has driven up prices and created concerns about the availability of essential medicines. The resumption of imports is seen as a crucial step toward stabilizing the market and ensuring access to this vital resource for both practitioners and patients.
The decision to reopen imports follows extensive research and evaluation by the NMPA, taking into account quality control measures and potential sources of supply. The pilot program will allow for a controlled assessment of the import process and its impact on the domestic market.
The move is expected to have a positive impact on the TCM industry, providing a more stable supply of niuhuang and potentially moderating price fluctuations. It also signals China’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential medicines and promoting the sustainable development of TCM.
The pilot program will be closely monitored, with regular assessments of its effectiveness and potential adjustments to ensure the quality and safety of imported niuhuang. The long-term implications of this decision could reshape the supply landscape for this critical TCM ingredient, benefiting both the industry and the public.
References:
- Zhongxinwang. (2025, April 23). 中新健康｜进口牛黄再开闸，供需格局有望改善 [China News Health: Import of Ox Gallstones Reopened, Supply and Demand Pattern Expected to Improve]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here if available, otherwise remove this line]
Views: 1