Processed Pangolin Scales

Chinese
制穿山甲
Pinyin
Zhi Chuan Shan Jia
Latin
Squama Manitis Praeparata
Scientific specimen plate of Prepared Anteater Scales, Manis pentadactyla, showing medium-brown trimmed processed scale fragments and diagnostic preparation details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Zhi Chuan Shan Jia (制穿山甲), this salty, slightly cold herb enters the Liver and Stomach. Traditionally, it activates blood and unblocks channels in the generalized prepared-form lane of Chuan Shan Jia, most often applied for insufficient lactation, amenorrhea, and mastitis. Modern research has identified Keratin among its active constituents.

Part used: Scale

Also Known As

Prepared pangolin scales

Latin: Squama Manitis Praeparata | Pinyin: Zhi Chuan Shan Jia | Chinese: 制穿山甲

TCM Properties

Taste
salty
Temperature
slightly cold
Channels
Liver, Stomach

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Activates blood and unblocks channels in the generalized prepared-form lane of Chuan Shan Jia.
  • Promotes lactation and resolves breast-channel obstruction in postpartum cases traditionally attributed to qi and blood blockage.
  • Reduces swelling and expels pus for abscess, carbuncle, and hard nodule patterns.

Secondary Actions

  • This file functions as the generic processed Chuan Shan Jia lane alongside the more specifically named bead and puffed processed variants.
  • In current practice the most important clinical fact is that pangolin medicinals are banned and should be replaced.

Classic Formulas

  • Tong Ru Dan for obstructed lactation.
  • Tou Nong San and related abscess formulas in older surgical-herb traditions.

Classical References

  • Prepared Chuan Shan Jia retained the same core therapeutic family as raw and fried pangolin scales: blood movement, swelling reduction, lactation opening, and suppuration support.
  • Modern records must keep that history visible while making the conservation ban explicit.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Keratin matrix
  • Minor trace constituents reported in historical analyses

Studied Effects

  • Modern herb-specific clinical development is not ethically appropriate given the species' protected status, and the literature priority has shifted toward conservation and substitution.

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Any attempted clinical use of genuine pangolin scale products

Cautions

  • Genuine pangolin material is illegal or ethically unacceptable to source, prescribe, or sell.
  • Any commercial product claiming to contain it should be assumed unlawful, fraudulent, or both.

Drug Interactions

  • Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs ... additive bleeding risk in historical-use contexts

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Processed Pangolin Scales used for?

Processed Pangolin Scales is traditionally used to Activates blood and unblocks channels in the generalized prepared-form lane of Chuan Shan Jia., Promotes lactation and resolves breast-channel obstruction in postpartum cases traditionally attributed to qi and blood blockage., Reduces swelling and expels pus for abscess, carbuncle, and hard nodule patterns.. Research has investigated its effects on: Modern herb-specific clinical development is not ethically appropriate given the species' protected status, and the literature priority has shifted toward conservation and substitution..

What are other names for Processed Pangolin Scales?

Processed Pangolin Scales is also known as Prepared pangolin scales. In TCM: 制穿山甲 (Zhi Chuan Shan Jia); Squama Manitis Praeparata.

Is Processed Pangolin Scales safe during pregnancy?

Processed Pangolin Scales is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Processed Pangolin Scales?

Processed Pangolin Scales should not be used in: Pregnancy; Any attempted clinical use of genuine pangolin scale products. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Processed Pangolin Scales interact with any medications?

Processed Pangolin Scales may interact with: Anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs ... additive bleeding risk in historical-use contexts. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.