Ingredient Shell (壳 ké / 甲 jiǎ)

Gui Ban

Tortoise plastron · 龟板

Chinemys reevesii (Gray) · Plastrum Testudinis

Also known as: Guī Jiǎ (龟甲), Tortoise shell, Gui Jia,

Gui Ban (Tortoise plastron) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Gui Ban (tortoise plastron) is the shell of the freshwater Chinese pond turtle, used for centuries in Chinese medicine to deeply nourish the body's Yin (its cooling, moistening reserves). It is commonly used for symptoms of Yin Deficiency such as night sweats, hot flushes, dizziness, insomnia, weak bones and joints, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Because it is cold and heavy in nature, it is not suitable for people with cold or weak digestion.

Category Yin-tonifying herbs (补阴药)
Therapeutic focus Bone and Joint Health Menopausal support Sleep and Anxiety Support Women's Health

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Salty (咸 xián), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels entered

Liver, Heart, Kidneys

Parts used

Shell (壳 ké / 甲 jiǎ)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Ingredient Does

Every ingredient has a specific set of actions — here's what Gui Ban does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Gui Ban is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Bone and Joint Health Menopausal support Sleep and Anxiety Support Women's Health

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Gui Ban performs to restore balance in the body:

Nourishes Yin and Subdues Yang Benefits the Kidneys and Strengthens the Bones Nourishes Heart Blood Fixes the Chong and Ren vessels and stops bleeding Clears Deficiency Heat

How these actions work

'Nourishes Yin and anchors Yang' is the primary action of Gui Ban. When the body's cooling, moistening Yin fluids become depleted (especially in the Liver and Kidneys), the warming Yang aspect can flare upward unchecked, causing symptoms like dizziness, headache, irritability, flushed face, and eye redness. Gui Ban is heavy, sinking, cold, and deeply moistening. It replenishes the depleted Yin at the root while its heavy, sinking nature pulls the floating Yang back down. This makes it particularly useful for patterns where Yin Deficiency leads to Liver Yang rising or internal Wind with tremors and spasms.

'Benefits the Kidneys and strengthens bones' reflects its ability to nourish Kidney Yin and Essence (Jing), the foundation that supports bone and skeletal development. In TCM, the Kidneys govern the bones. When Kidney Yin and Essence are insufficient, there may be weakness and soreness of the lower back and knees, weak or underdeveloped bones in children, or failure of the fontanelle to close. Gui Ban's salty taste allows it to enter the Kidneys and nourish Essence directly.

'Nourishes Blood and tonifies the Heart' relates to Gui Ban's entry into the Heart channel, where it nourishes Heart Blood and Yin to calm the spirit (Shen). This applies to conditions like palpitations, insomnia, anxiety, forgetfulness, and restlessness that arise when the Heart lacks sufficient nourishment.

'Fixes the Chong and Ren vessels and stops bleeding' means Gui Ban can stabilise the two extraordinary vessels most responsible for menstruation and reproductive function. When Yin Deficiency generates internal Heat that pushes Blood out of these vessels, it can cause heavy menstrual bleeding or uterine bleeding between periods. Gui Ban cools this Deficiency Heat while nourishing Yin to secure the Blood within the vessels.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Gui Ban is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Gui Ban addresses this pattern

Gui Ban directly replenishes the Yin of both the Liver and Kidneys. Its salty taste guides it into the Kidneys to nourish Kidney Yin and Essence, while its sweet taste gently tonifies. Its cold nature clears the Deficiency Heat that arises when Yin can no longer balance Yang. The heavy, sinking quality of this shell substance anchors rising Yang and calms internal Wind that can develop from long-standing Yin Deficiency. This makes Gui Ban one of the most important substances for deep, structural Yin replenishment in the lower body.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Night Sweats

From Yin Deficiency Heat steaming fluids outward

Dizziness

From Liver Yang rising due to insufficient Yin anchoring

Tinnitus

From Kidney Essence depletion failing to nourish the ears

Lower Back Pain

Soreness and weakness from Kidney Yin failing to nourish bones and sinews

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Gui Ban is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Yin Deficiency Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency

TCM Interpretation

Hot flushes, particularly those experienced during menopause, are understood in TCM as a manifestation of Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat. As women age and the Kidney Essence naturally declines, the body's Yin reserves (its cooling, moistening capacity) become depleted. Without sufficient Yin to anchor and cool the Yang, Deficiency Fire flares upward, creating surges of heat, flushing, and sweating. The Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency that underlies this pattern may also lead to dizziness, irritability, dry mouth, and disturbed sleep.

Why Gui Ban Helps

Gui Ban is one of the strongest Yin-nourishing substances in the materia medica. Its cold temperature directly counteracts the Deficiency Heat driving the hot flushes, while its salty taste guides it deep into the Kidneys to replenish the depleted Yin at its source. Unlike herbs that merely suppress Heat symptoms, Gui Ban rebuilds the body's cooling reserves so it can regulate its own temperature again. Its heavy, sinking nature also helps anchor the rising Yang that causes the characteristic upward surges of heat.

Also commonly used for

Night Sweats

From Yin Deficiency Heat

Dizziness

From Liver Yang rising or Yin Deficiency

Palpitations

From Heart Blood Deficiency

Hypertension

From Liver Yang rising pattern

Postmenstrual Bleeding

From Yin Deficiency Heat disturbing the Chong and Ren

Hyperthyroidism

From Yin Deficiency with Fire Flaring

Tremors

From internal Wind due to Yin Deficiency

Poor Memory

From Heart-Kidney disharmony

Tinnitus

From Kidney Essence Deficiency

Ingredient Properties

Every ingredient has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Salty (咸 xián), Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels Entered

Liver Heart Kidneys

Parts Used

Shell (壳 ké / 甲 jiǎ)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Gui Ban — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

9-24g

Maximum dosage

Up to 30-45g in severe Yin deficiency patterns, under practitioner supervision. Must be decocted first for extended time.

Dosage notes

Use lower doses (9-15g) for mild Yin nourishment, Heart-Blood support, and maintenance. Use higher doses (15-24g) for more severe Yin deficiency with Yang rising, deficiency Heat, or internal Wind. Vinegar-processed Gui Ban (Cu Gui Ban, 醋龟板) has enhanced Yin-nourishing and channel-entering properties. Gui Ban Jiao (tortoise plastron glue) is used at 3-9g, dissolved in warm liquid or the strained decoction, when a stronger tonifying effect on Blood and Yin is desired without the bulk of the whole shell.

Preparation

Must be decocted first (先煎, xian jian). Gui Ban is a hard shell substance and requires extended decoction of 30-60 minutes before adding other herbs to the pot. It should be broken into small pieces or crushed before decocting. Vinegar-processed Gui Ban (醋龟板) is prepared by sand-frying until the surface turns pale yellow, then quenching in vinegar (20 kg vinegar per 100 kg of Gui Ban) and drying. The vinegar processing enhances its ability to enter the Liver channel and strengthens its Yin-nourishing action.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same ingredient can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Gui Ban does

Processing method

The cleaned tortoise plastron is stir-fried with sand until the surface turns pale yellow, then immediately quenched in vinegar and dried. The standard ratio is 20 kg vinegar per 100 kg of plastron. The shell is then crushed before use.

How it changes properties

Vinegar processing enhances the herb's ability to enter the Liver channel, strengthening its Yin-nourishing and Yang-anchoring effects. The vinegar quenching also makes the extremely hard shell more brittle and easier to crush, allowing its active components to be extracted more completely during decoction. The fishy smell is reduced. The overall thermal nature remains cold but may be considered slightly less cold than the raw form.

When to use this form

This is the most commonly used clinical form. It is preferred for most Yin Deficiency patterns, especially when the Liver is involved (Liver Yang rising, Liver Wind). The enhanced Liver-entering property makes it more effective for dizziness, headache, and tremors from Liver Yin Deficiency. The improved decoction extraction also makes it the practical choice over raw plastron.

Common Ingredient Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Gui Ban for enhanced therapeutic effect

Shu Di Huang
Shu Di Huang 1:1 (equal amounts, as in Da Bu Yin Wan)

Together, these two substances form a powerful Yin-nourishing foundation. Shu Di Huang (prepared Rehmannia) is the premier Blood- and Essence-tonifying herb, providing rich, thick nourishment to Kidney Yin and Blood. Gui Ban adds cold, heavy, sinking Yin nourishment that also anchors rising Yang and clears Deficiency Heat. Together they address both the substance (Blood and Essence) and the functional aspect (anchoring Yang) of Yin Deficiency.

When to use: For deep Kidney Yin and Essence Deficiency with bone-steaming heat, tidal fever, night sweats, and weak lower back and knees. This is the core pairing in Da Bu Yin Wan.

Huang Qi
Huang Qi 3:2 (Gui Ban 6 liang : Huang Bai 4 liang, as in the original Da Bu Yin Wan proportions)

Gui Ban nourishes the depleted Yin while Huang Bai (Phellodendron bark) drains Deficiency Fire downward. Gui Ban addresses the root (Yin Deficiency) and Huang Bai addresses the branch (raging Fire). Together they 'enrich the water to control the fire' from both directions simultaneously.

When to use: For Yin Deficiency Fire Flaring with bone-steaming heat, night sweats, seminal emission, irritability, and a red tongue with little coating. This is a core combination within Da Bu Yin Wan.

Long Gu
Long Gu 1:1 (equal parts)

Both are heavy, sinking mineral/shell substances that anchor and calm. Long Gu (Dragon Bone) excels at settling the spirit and calming the Heart, while Gui Ban nourishes the underlying Yin and Blood that the spirit needs for stability. Together they provide both structural nourishment and immediate calming.

When to use: For Heart-Kidney disharmony with insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, poor memory, and restlessness. This is the core pairing in Kong Sheng Zhen Zhong Dan.

Lu Jiao
Lu Jiao 1:1 (as in Zuo Gui Wan)

Gui Ban (Yin, cold) and Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Gelatin, Yang, warm) together nourish both Yin and Yang of the Kidneys. This pairing embodies the principle of 'seeking Yin within Yang and Yang within Yin,' recognising that Yin and Yang are interdependent. Gui Ban heavily nourishes Yin while Lu Jiao Jiao warms and supports Yang and Essence.

When to use: For severe Kidney Essence Deficiency affecting both Yin and Yang, with weakness of the lower back and knees, bone weakness, and exhaustion. This is the defining combination in Zuo Gui Wan and Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao.

Key Formulas

These well-known formulas feature Gui Ban in a prominent role

Da Bu Yin Wan 大補陰丸 King

The definitive formula for Yin Deficiency Fire, Da Bu Yin Wan (from Zhu Danxi's Dan Xi Xin Fa) showcases Gui Ban's core Yin-nourishing and Fire-clearing properties. Gui Ban serves as King alongside Shu Di Huang at the highest dose (6 liang each), directly embodying the strategy of 'enriching water to control fire.' This formula best illustrates how Gui Ban's cold, salty, sweet nature addresses bone-steaming heat, night sweats, and tidal fever from depleted Kidney Yin.

Gu Jing Wan 固經丸 King

This formula from Dan Xi Xin Fa showcases Gui Ban's ability to secure the Chong and Ren vessels and stop bleeding. In Gu Jing Wan, Gui Ban nourishes Yin and clears Deficiency Heat to address heavy menstrual bleeding caused by Blood Heat from Yin Deficiency. It is paired with Huang Qin, Bai Shao, Huang Bai, Chun Gen Pi, and Xiang Fu.

Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang 鎮肝熄風湯 Assistant

In this formula by Zhang Xichun (from Yi Xue Zhong Zhong Can Xi Lu), Gui Ban serves as an Assistant that nourishes Yin and enriches fluids to address Liver Yang rising and internal Wind at the root. While the heavy mineral and shell substances in this formula anchor the rising Yang directly, Gui Ban contributes the deeper Yin nourishment that treats the underlying deficiency driving the pattern.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Bie Jia
Gui Ban vs Bie Jia

Both Gui Ban and Bie Jia (Turtle Shell / Soft-shelled turtle carapace) are shell substances that nourish Yin and anchor Yang. However, Gui Ban's sweet taste gives it a stronger Yin-nourishing and Blood-tonifying capacity, and it also enters the Heart channel to calm the spirit. Bie Jia is salty and cold without the sweet taste, making it stronger at clearing Deficiency Heat and softening hardness (dissipating masses). A classical teaching notes that Gui Ban excels at nourishing (补) while Bie Jia excels at attacking and breaking down accumulations (攻). For long-term Yin tonification, Gui Ban is preferred; for stubborn Deficiency Heat or abdominal masses, Bie Jia is the better choice.

Mu Li
Gui Ban vs Mu Li

Both are heavy, sinking substances that anchor rising Yang. However, Mu Li (Oyster Shell) is primarily an astringent and Yang-anchoring substance with limited Yin-nourishing capacity. Gui Ban is a rich Yin tonic that anchors Yang by rebuilding the Yin foundation. Mu Li is better for acute Yang rising symptoms needing immediate anchoring, and for sweating, seminal emission, or vaginal discharge requiring astringency. Gui Ban is better when the underlying Yin Deficiency is the main concern and deeper nourishment is needed.

Nu Zhen Zi
Gui Ban vs Nu Zhen Zi

Both nourish Liver and Kidney Yin. Nu Zhen Zi (Privet Fruit) is lighter, milder, and easier on the digestion, making it better suited for long-term use or for patients with weak stomachs. Gui Ban is far heavier, richer, and more powerful as a Yin tonic, but its cold, heavy nature can obstruct digestion. When deep Yin and Essence depletion with Empty Heat requires strong intervention, Gui Ban is chosen. For milder Yin Deficiency or when digestive tolerance is a concern, Nu Zhen Zi is more appropriate.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Gui Ban

Gui Ban is commonly adulterated with plastrons from other turtle species. Research has identified plastrons of Ocadia sinensis (Chinese stripe-necked turtle), Chelonia mydas (green sea turtle), Lepidochelys olivacea (olive ridley sea turtle), and Trachemys scripta elegans (red-eared slider) as counterfeit substitutes. Authentic Gui Ban from Mauremys reevesii can be distinguished by its characteristic 12 shield plates with purplish-brown radiating lines on the ventral surface, and the saw-tooth interlocking pattern of the 9 underlying bone plates visible on the interior surface. Bie Jia (鳖甲, soft-shelled turtle shell) is a related but distinct medicine that should not be confused with Gui Ban; Bie Jia comes only from the carapace (dorsal shell) of the Chinese soft-shell turtle and has different therapeutic emphasis (stronger at clearing deficiency Heat and softening hardness).

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any ingredient.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Gui Ban

Non-toxic

Gui Ban is classified as non-toxic in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The Ming Ben Bie Lu noted 'slightly toxic' properties, but this was attributed to improper storage (exposure to moisture), not to the substance itself. Prolonged or excessive use may cause digestive discomfort, nausea, or loose stools due to its cold, heavy, and cloying nature, particularly in individuals with weak digestion. There are no known toxic components. In rare cases, allergic reactions (skin rash, itching) have been reported with Gui Ban Jiao (tortoise plastron glue).

Contraindications

Situations where Gui Ban should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Pregnancy: Gui Ban has a cold, heavy, sinking nature and can affect the Ren (Conception) and Chong (Thoroughfare) vessels. It may stimulate uterine contractions and should not be used during pregnancy.

Caution

Spleen and Stomach deficiency with Cold-Dampness: Gui Ban is cold and heavy in nature, which can further injure a weak, cold digestive system. People with loose stools, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, or a sensation of heaviness should avoid it or use it only with warming, Spleen-supporting herbs.

Caution

Yang deficiency or internal Cold without Yin deficiency: As a strongly Yin-nourishing, cold substance, Gui Ban is inappropriate for patterns dominated by Cold and Yang deficiency, where it could worsen chills, fatigue, and fluid retention.

Caution

Diarrhea from Spleen deficiency: The cold, cloying nature of Gui Ban can aggravate diarrhea in people with weak Spleen Qi and poor digestive transformation.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Contraindicated. Gui Ban has a cold, heavy, sinking nature and enters the Ren (Conception) and Chong (Thoroughfare) vessels. Pharmacological research has demonstrated that tortoise plastron extracts can promote uterine contractions. It may cause restless fetus or, in severe cases, miscarriage. All classical and modern sources consistently list pregnancy as a contraindication.

Breastfeeding

No specific contraindication during breastfeeding has been established in classical or modern literature. However, its cold and Yin-nourishing nature may theoretically affect digestion in the nursing infant if transferred through breast milk. Use with caution and under practitioner guidance, particularly in women with weak Spleen Qi or infants prone to loose stools.

Children

Gui Ban has a traditional indication for failure of the fontanelle to close (囟门不合) in infants and young children, where it is used to strengthen the Kidneys and bones. Dosage should be significantly reduced for children, typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose depending on age and weight. Because of its cold, heavy nature, it should be used cautiously in children with weak digestion and monitored for loose stools or loss of appetite.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Gui Ban

No well-documented pharmaceutical drug interactions have been established through controlled studies. However, based on its pharmacological profile, the following theoretical considerations apply:

  • Calcium-containing medications: Gui Ban is rich in calcium and other minerals. Concurrent use with calcium supplements or vitamin D may theoretically increase calcium load.
  • Anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs: Gui Ban has traditional Blood-cooling and bleeding-stopping actions. While it is not strongly hemostatic, practitioners should be aware of potential interactions in patients on warfarin or similar medications, though no clinical interactions have been confirmed.
  • Immunosuppressants: Pharmacological studies suggest Gui Ban extracts may have immune-enhancing properties, which could theoretically counteract immunosuppressive therapy.

Patients on prescription medications should consult their healthcare provider before using Gui Ban.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Gui Ban

Avoid cold, raw foods and icy drinks while taking Gui Ban, especially for individuals with weak digestion, as the herb's cold nature compounds the burden on the Spleen and Stomach. Avoid alcohol and spicy, heating foods, which can counteract its Yin-nourishing purpose. Warm, easily digestible foods such as congee, cooked vegetables, and mild soups are recommended to support absorption.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Gui Ban source animal

Gui Ban is not derived from a plant but from an animal: the Chinese pond turtle, Mauremys reevesii (syn. Chinemys reevesii), family Geoemydidae. This is a moderate-sized, semi-aquatic freshwater turtle with a carapace (upper shell) reaching up to 30 cm in length, though most specimens are considerably smaller (10-20 cm). The shell is typically brown to dark grey-brown, with three distinct longitudinal keels running along the carapace. The skin is dark grey with characteristic yellow or cream-coloured streaks on the neck. Mature males frequently develop melanism, turning entirely black including the eyes.

The species inhabits shallow, slow-moving or still bodies of water with soft bottoms, including ponds, marshes, canals, lakes, and small streams across central and eastern China, as well as Korea. It is omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, worms, small fish, and frogs. The medicinal material consists of both the dorsal carapace and ventral plastron (the flat underside plate), which are cleaned of flesh, dried, and processed for medicinal use.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Gui Ban is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Year-round, though primarily collected in autumn and winter when the animals are less active.

Primary growing regions

Gui Ban is sourced from the Chinese pond turtle (Mauremys reevesii), which is distributed across central and eastern China. The main producing regions include Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui, and Guangxi provinces. Historically, the turtles from Qizhou (蕲州, modern-day Qichun County, Hubei Province) were considered particularly prized and were included among the local 'Four Treasures' (蕲春四宝) as a tribute item. Today, most commercial Gui Ban comes from turtle farming operations, as wild populations of Mauremys reevesii are classified as Endangered by the IUCN.

Quality indicators

Two grades exist based on processing method: 'Xue Ban' (血板, blood board) is obtained by killing the turtle and directly removing the shell with blood residue, and is considered superior. 'Tang Ban' (烫板, scalded board) is obtained by killing with boiling water first, and is considered slightly inferior. Good quality Gui Ban should be large, intact, thoroughly cleaned of residual flesh, and dry. The plastron exterior is pale yellowish-brown to brownish-black, with 12 clearly defined shield plates each showing purplish-brown radiating lines. The interior surface should be yellowish-white to greyish-white. The texture should be hard and solid. There should be a slight fishy smell and a mildly salty taste. Avoid pieces that are cracked, mouldy, or retain decaying flesh.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Gui Ban and its therapeutic uses

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (《神农本草经》, Shen Nong's Classic of the Materia Medica)

Original: 「主漏下赤白，破症瘕痎疟，五痔阴蚀，湿痹四肢重弱，小儿囟不合。」

Translation: "Governs red and white vaginal discharge, breaks up abdominal masses and intermittent malarial conditions, treats the five types of hemorrhoids and genital sores, damp painful obstruction with heavy weak limbs, and failure of the fontanelle to close in children."

Ben Cao Gang Mu (《本草纲目》, Compendium of Materia Medica, Li Shizhen)

Original: 「龟、鹿皆灵而有寿。龟首常藏向腹，能通任脉，故取其甲以补心、补肾、补血，皆以养阴也。」

Translation: "Tortoise and deer are both spiritual and long-lived. The tortoise habitually tucks its head toward its belly, thus connecting with the Ren (Conception) vessel. Therefore its shell is used to supplement the Heart, supplement the Kidneys, and supplement the Blood, all for the purpose of nourishing Yin."

Wen Bing Tiao Bian (《温病条辨》, Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases, Wu Jutong)

In the formula Xiao Ding Feng Zhu (小定风珠), Wu Jutong explains the role of Gui Ban:

Original: 「龟板补任（谓任脉）而镇冲脉。」

Translation: "Gui Ban supplements the Ren (Conception) vessel and calms the Chong (Thoroughfare) vessel."

Ben Cao Bei Yao (《本草备要》, Essentials of the Materia Medica)

Original: 「甘平至阴，属金与水。补心益肾，滋阴资智。」

Translation: "Sweet, balanced, and supremely Yin in nature, belonging to Metal and Water. It supplements the Heart, benefits the Kidneys, nourishes Yin, and enhances wisdom."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Gui Ban's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Gui Ban holds a uniquely deep place in Chinese civilization, extending far beyond medicine. The tortoise was one of the 'Four Sacred Animals' (四灵) of ancient China, symbolizing longevity, wisdom, and cosmic order. In the Shang dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE), tortoise plastrons were the primary medium for oracle bone divination (甲骨文), and the inscriptions carved on these shells are the oldest known form of Chinese writing. In the late Qing dynasty (1899), the scholar Wang Yirong famously recognized ancient writing on 'dragon bone' fragments sold in traditional medicine shops, which turned out to be Shang-dynasty oracle bone inscriptions on tortoise shells.

As a medicine, Gui Ban was first recorded in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, where it was listed as a top-grade (上品) drug. Early texts used both the upper (carapace) and lower (plastron) shells, collectively called 'Gui Jia' (龟甲). The specific preference for the plastron (lower shell), called 'Gui Ban', first appeared in Tang dynasty literature. In later eras, the concept of 'Bai Gui' (败龟, 'spent tortoise') emerged, referring to plastrons that had been used for divination and were perforated from the heat-cracking process. Li Shizhen in the Ben Cao Gang Mu connected the tortoise's habit of drawing its head toward its belly with its ability to nourish the Ren (Conception) vessel. The pairing of Gui Ban with Lu Jiao (deer antler) to tonify both Yin and Yang became one of the most iconic complementary pairs in Chinese medicine, exemplified by the formula Gui Lu Er Xian Jiao (龟鹿二仙胶).

Modern Research

3 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Gui Ban

1

Tortoise Plastron and Deer Antler Gelatin Prevents Against Neuronal Mitochondrial Dysfunction In Vitro: Implication for a Potential Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease (In Vitro Study, 2021)

Hui Z, et al., Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2021, Volume 12, Article 690256

This preclinical study examined tortoise plastron gelatin (TPG) and deer antler gelatin (DAG) on a cell model of Alzheimer's disease. Pre-treatment with TPG protected nerve cells from damage caused by amyloid-beta toxin, reducing oxidative damage and preserving mitochondrial function. The study supports the traditional use of these gelatins as brain-nourishing agents, though human trials are needed.

PubMed
2

Metabolomic and Lipidomic Profiling of Traditional Chinese Medicine Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum and Its Substitutes (Analytical Study, 2025)

PMC Article, Frontiers in Chemistry, 2025

This study used advanced chemical analysis (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) to comprehensively profile the chemical components of authentic tortoise shell decoctions versus common substitutes from other species. The researchers identified amino acids, small peptides, and lipids, and demonstrated that metabolomic analysis could distinguish genuine Gui Ban from adulterated products.

3

Identification of Turtle Shell, Tortoise Plastron and Their Counterfeit Products (Analytical Study, 2002)

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi, 2002

Researchers identified common counterfeit products sold as tortoise plastron, including plastrons from Ocadia sinensis, Chelonia mydas, and Lepidochelys olivacea. Morphological identification combined with differential thermal analysis (DTA) could reliably distinguish authentic Gui Ban from substitutes.

PubMed

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.