Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis
Tortoise Carapace and Plastron

Source:
The carapace and plastron of Chinemys reevesii (Gray) (Fam. Testudinidae).

Distribution:
Mainly in Chinese provinces such as Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei and Hunan. Harvested from both wild and domestic tortoises.

Harvest & Processing:
Catch tortoises anytime during the year, but mostly in autumn and winter; and kill; strip off carapaces and plastrons; remove flesh remnants; dry under the sun. There are two kinds of processed products: ' Xueban' (Blood Plate), and ' Tangban' (Scalded Plate).

Description:
Carapace and plastron linked by a bridge; carapace slightly longer than plastron and often detached from it. Plastron placoid (platelike), rectangular and elliptical. Outer surface pale yellowishbrown to brownish-black; scutes 12, each often marked with dull purplish-brown radial markings; median sutures on ventral, pectoral and femoral scutes are long, those on gular and anal scutes shorter, the ones on humeral scutes the shortest. Inner surface yellowish-white to greyish-white. Hard. Odour: slightly fishy; taste: slightly salty.

Indications:
1. Hectic fever and night sweating
2. Nocturnal emission
3.Dizziness, tinnitus, convulsion
4. Weakness of the waist and lower limbs, maldevelopment in infants
5. Menstrual disorders

Chemical Composition:
Mainly contains collagen and amino acids.

Note:
Plastrons are usually used in Hong Kong and are customarily called ' Guiban' (Tortoise Plate).