By Park Chung-a
Staff Reporter
A skin care clinic in southern Seoul has more than 50 visitors a day who come to receive human placenta injections. Despite its rather expensive price, which ranges from 35,000 to 200,000 won per injection, its popularity has skyrocketed over recent years.
``I began to receive the injection about six months ago as my friend recommended it to me saying that it’s effective for getting rid of pimples and having a good complexion. I am quite satisfied with its effects. Although it’s expensive I think it’s really worth it,’’ said Choi, a 27-year-old office worker at a financial firm.
Kang, a 37-year-old salaried office worker, is another fervent supporter of placenta injection. After receiving the placenta injection twice a week for over three months, he says he has completely got rid of fatigue and hangovers, which would bother him before.
``I found placenta injections to be very effective for revitalizing health. I would have the injection more often if I could afford it,’’ said Kang.
Placenta injection, which is composed of extracts of placenta and full of rich vitamins and minerals, is popular with those who want to maintain youthfulness and improve their health. Placenta injection was originally known for enhancing liver function but is now used for various purposes including hangovers, sterility, skin care and atopy. Placenta extracts imported from Japan are known for being the most expensive, priced at over 200,000 won each.
Although the use of placenta injection is officially permitted by the Korea Food and Drug Administration, experts warn of its side effects and point out circulation issues.
``More research is still needed to confirm the safety of placenta injections. When abused, the injection can cause various side effects such as obesity and problems with the nervous system. Also, control over placenta extracts should be tightened as there is rampant circulation of placenta extracts from pigs or sheep, which can cause dangerous effects,’’ said Kim Dae-won, a medical professor at Sungkyunkwan University.