Qualitative Identification of Tortoise-Shell Glue Using LC/MS/MS

Tortoise-shell glue (Testudinis Carapacis ET Plastri Colla), an important and valuable type of animal-derived Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is made from the dorsal and ventral shells of tortoises. It has significant applications as hemopoietic and hemostatic agents. It is also consumed as a health supplement for certain populations, such as postpartum women and the elderly. Tortoise-shell glue has been used for thousands of years in China.

Owing to the high price and the serious shortage of tortoise shell, product adulteration often occurs through the addition of the shells of other animals, leading to quality issues for tortoise-shell glue.