TCMs

An advertisement in 1945 (Showa 20)

Bears have been killed for their gall bladders, which have a large amount bile (ursodeoxycholic acid or ursodiol). The acid is useful in some medical treatments:
1. Ursodiol decreases the amount of cholesterol in bile and bile stones by reducing the amount of cholesterol the liver produces.
2. Ursodiol is used to treat small, noncalcified gallbladder stones.
Although the bile has the useful applications, it is sad to see that the bears are killed or farmed in a non-humane way for their bladders.