BONES AND other parts of tigers have been used in Chinese medicines for thousands of years. Although there is no proof of the curative qualities of tiger derivatives, the belief in their efficacy is as strong as ever.

The Chinese Materia Medica, dating back to 1597, states the yellow bones of the tiger have the best medicinal value. Bones are broken open and the marrow removed. Butter, vinegar or urine is applied on the bones and they are browned over a charcoal fire. Tiger bone medicines is used to dispel evil influences and cure dysentery, ulcers and rat-bite sores. A bath in tiger bone broth is said to be good for rheumatism and protects newborn children from infection, scabies, convulsions and possession by the devil. Bone powder is applied on burns and eruptions under the toenails.

There are 25 types of tiger bone drugs and more than 110 firms producing them in the form of tablets, powders syrups and wine. The medicines are also exported to expatriate Chinese.

The dwindling tiger population has forced manufacturers to use bones of leopards, snow leopards and donkeys. Another consequence is adulteration with bones of domestic animals.