Human Placenta: Medical Waste or Miraculous Medicine? Why Is It Smuggled?
Image source, Sebastian Kaulitzki/Science Photo Library
- Warning: This article contains sensitive images related to human tissue.
Authorities in Pakistan are investigating a syndicate suspected of smuggling human placentas from hospitals and using them to produce ‘anti-aging’ injections claimed to reduce signs of aging.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan alleges that this syndicate purchases approximately 200 kilograms of human placenta from various hospitals every month.
According to the FIA, the placentas are dried and processed before being exported abroad.
In a crackdown conducted last month in the capital, Islamabad, officials seized around 500 kilograms of human placenta from an illegal processing center and arrested five individuals.
Photos released by the FIA showed dried placenta stored in containers placed on trolleys inside a house converted into a “placenta storage and processing center.”
Image source, FIA
Hina Kanwal, an official from Pakistan’s Human Organ Transplant Authority, stated that the arrested individuals were buying placentas valued at about 2.90 US dollars each from hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. She emphasized that this was impossible without collusion from hospital administration.
The FIA explained that the accumulated placenta is exported for the production of ‘anti-aging’ injections, which can cost up to 2,530 US dollars per injection.
Kanwal noted that there is high demand for human placenta in cosmetic surgery, contributing to the rise in its illegal trade.
Anyone found illegally collecting human organs for commercial purposes could face up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to 3,600 US dollars.
The FIA disclosed that the syndicate’s network extends to Lahore and Peshawar. Investigations are also ongoing into possible involvement of immigration officials, waste management companies, and hospitals.
Image source, FIA
While the FIA has previously taken action against illegal human organ transplants, this incident is the first to reveal an international network involved in human placenta trafficking.
The arrested individuals initially claimed they were processing sheep placenta but confessed to handling human placentas after interrogation.
In a subsequent operation, 100 kilograms of human placenta being shipped to Vietnam from Islamabad International Airport was confiscated. Vietnam prohibits the use of human placenta, allowing only animal placentas.
So far, nine people have been arrested and are in custody for involvement in placenta trafficking.
Image source, FIA
Pakistani gynecologist and obstetrician Sadia Tariq described human placenta as “highly infectious medical waste” and said strict regulations govern its management.
After a baby is born, the placenta is separated and sealed in a yellow bag labeled ‘placenta’ before being transferred to the hospital’s cold storage facility.
It can be safely stored for up to 24 hours before being incinerated and disposed of. Both government and private hospitals strictly adhere to this procedure.
Traditional Medical Uses of Human Placenta
The placenta is a temporary organ that develops atop the uterus during pregnancy, supporting fetal life.
It is connected to the baby via the umbilical cord, supplying oxygen and nutrients and removing waste.
The placenta naturally expels shortly after a normal birth or is surgically removed during a caesarean section.
Image source, Getty Images
Some people consider placenta to be rich in proteins, iron, and fats and believe it to be nutritious for adults as well.
For centuries, various cultures have used the extracted placenta juice in traditional medicine.
The US-based market research company Polaris estimates that the global legal trade of placenta-related products could reach 1.4 billion US dollars by 2034.
Senior analyst Nitin Tambe from Polaris commented that human placenta holds significant potential in medical innovation and cosmetic treatments.
Image source, Paola Tellez/Getty Images
Interestingly, products derived from the placenta — an organ that supports early human life — are often used to address conditions associated with aging, including:
- Wrinkled skin
- Hair loss
- Menopause symptoms
- Infertility
- Bathing issues (skin problems)
Because human placenta contains abundant female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), various medicines are developed from it. Some are also used to treat postpartum depression.
Placenta extracts have also been applied with limited success in treating autoimmune diseases, stroke, chronic fatigue, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, liver diseases, Crohn’s disease, and some cancers.
Tariq notes, “Research shows placenta may increase iron levels and is used in medications for postpartum anemia.”
Placenta can be developed into pills and injections and is claimed to help regenerate tissues.
The inner layer of the placenta contains growth factors used in surgical treatments for deep wounds, burns, ulcers, and eye injuries.
However, these practices lack unified scientific evidence and consistent global regulations.
Japanese company Japan Bio Products (JBP) exports 100% placenta powder capsules as nutritional supplements to several Asian countries. Some products are derived from human placenta, while others come from pig or horse placentas.
Winston Oei, JBP’s regional manager, says, “Asians are open-minded about placenta-based products, especially some Chinese communities that have a tradition of placenta consumption.”
“With increasing online information, people have become aware of such products and demand has grown,” Oei added.
Illegal Trade of Human Placenta in China
Despite prohibitions on commercial buying and selling in China, an underground market and online platforms continue to trade fresh human placenta illegally.
An online merchant reported selling a single human placenta for over 50 US dollars.
He said, “If you buy in bulk, I can sell them for 40 dollars each. We purchase raw placenta for 30 dollars per kilogram.”
Legal expert Zhang noted that most offenders receive fines far less than their illegal profits, usually five times less.
“If fines were increased fiftyfold, they would think twice before engaging in such activities,” he commented.
According to traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Yao, ancient Chinese medicine used human placenta to enhance immunity and treat asthma and bronchitis.
Image source, Tribune News Service via Getty Images
However, Dr. Hong Jangsang of Shanghai People’s Hospital warns, “Consuming unclean placenta can lead to infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.”
She added that many new mothers decide to take their own placenta home and consume it instead of having it destroyed by the hospital.
One new mother shared that both her mother and mother-in-law wanted to consume her placenta, which she refused.
Another woman paid about 7 US dollars at a shop near the hospital to have her placenta powdered and encapsulated.
She said she did this to help improve her father-in-law’s poor health.
Some women in eastern China have reported business difficulties due to stricter online advertising regulations.
Nonetheless, the real demand for placenta products remains strong.
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