Donkey-hide gelatin

1723 account by the French Jesuit Dominique Parrenin, there was a well in Dong'e which was normally kept closed and sealed, and which was only opened when water was taken to be used in preparation of ejiao for the emperor's court.

[3] Li Shizhen wrote in Bencao gangmu that ejiao is originally made from beef skin, but by his time, donkey had become the preferred choice.

[3] Since the supply of this material was rather limited, it was said that a large amount of "fake" ejiao was also manufactured, using skins from mules, horses, camels, pigs, and sometimes, it was said, even from old shoes; a bit of "real stuff" was added to it, to deceive consumers.

[3] In the 21st century, ejiao manufacturers experience problems with the supply of genuine donkey hides, as fewer people raise these animals these days.

Qin Yufeng, the chairman of a major ejiao manufacturer and a member of Shandong's provincial legislature, has advocated for government support for donkey husbandry.

[7] In November 2017, PETA Asia released eyewitness footage showing donkeys subject to poor conditions and treatment in farms.

It is believed that donkey-hide gelatin treats a variety of conditions such as bleeding, dizziness, insomnia and a dry cough,[1] despite a lack of evidence.