Ejiao: Traditional Medicine Becoming a Silent Threat to Donkey Survival

For centuries, donkeys have been essential allies of humanity. In Brazil, these animals have accompanied generations as a symbol of work and resilience. However, their survival faces an unexpected and alarming threat due to the production of a traditional medicine.

The international demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicinal gelatin made from donkey skin, has raised environmental alarms. This growing industry has triggered the mass slaughter of donkeys in several countries, including Brazil, where their population has drastically decreased in recent decades.

According to recent data, between 1996 and 2025, Brazil will have lost 94% of its donkey population. Without official breeding plans or specific regulations, the species could disappear from Brazilian territory in a few years if this trend continues.

In addition to the loss of biodiversity, this phenomenon implies a direct impact on rural systems that still depend on donkeys as pack and transport animals.

More than a species: a key link

The decline of donkeys directly affects environmental and social balance. Their disappearance not only means the loss of an emblematic animal but also the disruption of traditional ways of life, especially in rural communities where they still perform key functions.

Donkeys collaborate in agricultural work, transportation of water, firewood, and crops in areas without vehicle access. They are resilient, low maintenance, and deeply integrated into peasant culture. By disappearing , many families lose a vital means of subsistence.

Furthermore, these animals are considered excellent companions. Their docility, intelligence, and adaptability make them an alternative to other species in therapeutic and educational programs.

Cruelty and health risk

The massive slaughter of donkeys for their skin is carried out, in many cases, without adequate controls. Recent studies have shown that most animals involved in this industry suffer from overcrowding, malnutrition, and violence.

The lack of animal welfare regulations exacerbates the problem, coupled with cross-border transportation without sanitary protocols which can favor the spread of zoonotic diseases.

These practices not only threaten environmental ethics, but also endanger public health, by generating possible infectious outbreaks due to lack of regulation.

Conditions for preservation and protection

One key aspect to protect donkeys is to promote technological alternatives to ejiao. Laboratory-produced collagen through precision fermentation is already a developing reality, with less environmental impact and no animal suffering.

On the other hand, it is necessary to establish clear protection policies, including responsible breeding, prohibition of untraceable trade, and strengthening rural communities that still depend on these animals.

Natural and cultural wonders must be preserved, and donkeys, as a living part of ecological and social heritage, deserve protection. Their disappearance would not only be a loss for biodiversity, but for the shared history between humans and animals.

Traditional medicinal uses of ejiao

Ejiao is a traditional product of Chinese medicine used for centuries as a tonic to treat various ailments. It is attributed with properties to improve blood circulation, stop bleeding, combat fatigue, strengthen the immune system, and treat menstrual disorders.

In addition to its medicinal uses, ejiao is used in cosmetics due to its high collagen content. It is found in anti-wrinkle creams, beauty supplements, and skin treatments, promoted for its regenerative and anti-aging effects.

In recent years, the increased demand has led to its commercialization in the form of pills, syrups, and functional sweets. However, the lack of solid scientific evidence supporting all its benefits, combined with the environmental and ethical impact of its production, has sparked a growing debate about its use.