While leather and meat are often seen as the most valuable by-products of cattle, bovine gallstones have emerged as one of the most precious commodities. These small stones, formed from hardened digestive fluids inside the gallbladder, sometimes exceed the value of their weight in gold.
Their use in traditional Chinese medicine dates back thousands of years, treating serious conditions like high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. Rising rates of strokes in China have driven demand, causing global prices to soar.
In 2025, the price reached approximately $5,800 per ounce, double the value of gold at the time. These gallstones are primarily used in the traditional medicine formula "Angong Niuhuang Wan," targeting severe neurological conditions such as coma and consciousness disorders.
The supply remains scarce, as most slaughterhouses prioritize younger cattle to optimize productivity, reducing the availability of mature gallstones and driving up prices, raising concerns in livestock regions like Brazil, Australia, and Texas, USA.
In São Paulo, Brazil, reports highlighted theft and smuggling incidents targeting these gallstones. Meanwhile, Chinese researchers have developed lab-grown alternatives to reduce dependence on natural stones.
Additionally, human gallstones have seen increased demand in China, with individual stones valued at up to $1,270 depending on size and characteristics, with numerous online listings reported.
For more details and latest news, follow Misr Connect
