Understanding the Controversy: What is Dried Seahorse Used For?

October 8, 2025 •

3 min read

An estimated 20 to 25 million seahorses are traded globally each year, a staggering figure driven largely by demand from traditional medicine. For centuries, many have asked: what is dried seahorse used for? It is a cornerstone ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), prized for a range of purported health benefits.

Quick Summary

Dried seahorse is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat issues like impotence, asthma, and pain. Despite its long history, there is no credible scientific evidence to support these claims, and the trade poses a severe threat to seahorse populations worldwide.

Key Points

Traditional Use: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dried seahorse is used to treat impotence, asthma, pain, and skin ailments by 'tonifying the kidney'.
The Aphrodisiac Myth: Its most famous use is as an aphrodisiac, a claim that has no scientific backing in human clinical trials.
Lack of Scientific Evidence: Despite some preliminary lab studies on extracts, there is no credible scientific proof that consuming whole dried seahorse is effective for any medical condition.
Severe Conservation Threat: The trade, which kills tens of millions of seahorses annually, is a primary driver of population decline and a major threat to their survival.
Bycatch is a Major Factor: Most seahorses enter the trade as accidental bycatch from unsustainable fishing practices like bottom trawling.
International Regulations Exist: All seahorse species are protected under CITES Appendix II, yet a massive illegal trade continues to thrive due to a lack of enforcement.
Viable Alternatives: Modern medicine offers proven treatments for all conditions seahorses claim to cure, and even some TCM practitioners are shifting to sustainable plant-based alternatives.

A Deep-Rooted Tradition: Hai Ma in Chinese Medicine

Dried seahorse, known as Hai Ma in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been a valued ingredient for centuries. TCM theory associates seahorses with warm properties and the Kidney and Liver meridians, leading to their use for various ailments. Practitioners believe seahorses can 'tonify kidney and activate Yang,' which is central to their application.

The most common traditional use is as an aphrodisiac and treatment for sexual dysfunction. They are also used for respiratory issues like asthma, throat infections, skin conditions, insomnia, and abdominal pain. Traditionally, the seahorse is sun-dried and then powdered or added to soups and rice wine. A typical dose is 1-3 grams of powder, often mixed with other herbs.

The Scientific Evidence vs. Traditional Claims

Modern science largely does not support the traditional claims surrounding dried seahorse in humans. While some laboratory studies on seahorse extracts or peptides have shown potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or anti-fatigue effects in animal or cell models, these findings are preliminary. For example, one study found a seahorse peptide effective on arthritic cartilage cells in a lab, and another suggested an extract might improve fertility in rats.

However, these lab results do not prove that consuming whole dried seahorse provides any benefit to people. The Seahorse Trust and other sources state there is no scientific basis for the medicinal claims.

Comparison: Traditional Belief vs. Scientific Fact


Claimed Benefit	Traditional Belief (TCM)	Scientific Evidence
Aphrodisiac / Impotence	Boosts kidney 'yang' energy, improves blood flow, and enhances sexual vitality. Pregnant males are considered especially potent.	No credible clinical trials or scientific evidence support this claim in humans. Some rat studies showed a tendency for increased testosterone but were not definitive.
Asthma and Respiratory Issues	Reduces phlegm, relieves coughs, and calms wheezing.	No clinical evidence exists. Lab studies on peptides show anti-inflammatory potential, but this hasn't been tested in humans for asthma.
Arthritis and Pain Relief	Invigorates blood circulation to alleviate pain.	One lab study noted a specific peptide was effective on arthritic cartilage cells, but this does not prove human efficacy.
Anti-Aging	Possesses a free-radical scavenging effect.	Antioxidant compounds are found in seahorses, but anti-aging effects are unproven in humans.

The Overwhelming Conservation Crisis

Demand for dried seahorses severely impacts wild populations, pushing many species towards extinction. An estimated 150 million seahorses are used annually in the trade. Most are caught as bycatch in shrimp trawling, destroying other marine life too.

All 44 seahorse species were listed under CITES Appendix II in 2002, requiring sustainable trade. Despite this, illegal trade is massive, with millions smuggled yearly. Many species sold are classified as 'Vulnerable' or 'Endangered' by the IUCN. The trade targets pregnant males, removing many potential offspring.

Are There Alternatives?

Due to the lack of scientific support and severe environmental harm, using dried seahorse is problematic. Proven medical treatments exist for the ailments it claims to treat, such as medications for erectile dysfunction and asthma.

Sustainable alternatives are also emerging within TCM. Some practitioners are replacing endangered species with plant-based remedies or other herbal formulations like fenugreek seeds, Epimedium, or Ba-Wei Di-Huang Pills, which offer similar theoretical benefits without threatening marine life.

Conclusion: An Unsustainable and Unproven Practice

The use of dried seahorse represents a conflict between tradition, science, and environmental responsibility. Despite its historical role in TCM, scientific evidence for its health benefits is lacking. The enormous trade it fuels, often illegal, has driven many seahorse species towards extinction and harmed marine ecosystems. For consumers, the environmental risks far outweigh any unproven benefits, making its consumption ethically and environmentally unsustainable. Modern treatments and sustainable herbal options provide a responsible path forward.

For more information on seahorse conservation, you can visit Project Seahorse.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is complex. All seahorse species are listed under CITES Appendix II, which means international trade is restricted to be sustainable. However, many local laws vary, and a significant portion of the trade is illegal and unregulated, often involving endangered or vulnerable species.

There is no scientific evidence or clinical trial data to prove that dried seahorse is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in humans.

It is typically dried in the sun, after which it may be ground into a powder and mixed with other ingredients, or added whole to soups, broths, or rice wine.

The primary threats to seahorses are overfishing for the traditional medicine trade, the curio trade, and as bycatch in destructive fishing gear like shrimp trawls. Habitat destruction of seagrass beds and coral reefs is also a major factor.

There is little scientific research on the side effects of consuming dried seahorse. The primary risks are not toxicological but rather the lack of proven efficacy and the major negative impact on global conservation efforts.

Studies have identified various compounds in seahorses, including amino acids, peptides, fatty acids, and steroids. Some lab research suggests certain peptides may have anti-inflammatory or anti-fatigue properties, but this does not translate to proven benefits from consuming the whole animal.

Estimates suggest that tens of millions of seahorses are caught and traded for medicinal use annually, with some figures exceeding 20 million and others suggesting the total number used could be as high as 150 million.