The monetary value associated with placental products varies significantly depending on the specific product, processing methods, and intended use. For example, encapsulation services, where the placenta is dehydrated, ground, and placed into capsules for consumption, typically range from $200 to $400. Other products, such as tinctures, salves, and prints, incur different costs based on labor and materials. Acquiring a raw, unprocessed placenta for research or therapeutic purposes often involves fees related to storage, handling, and transportation, which can differ based on institutional policies and local regulations.
While the practice of placentophagy, the consumption of the placenta, has roots in various traditional medicine practices, its contemporary resurgence is linked to purported benefits such as hormonal regulation, postpartum mood stabilization, and increased milk production. These claims, though widely circulated, require further scientific investigation to establish definitive efficacy and safety. Research on the potential therapeutic uses of placental components in wound healing and regenerative medicine continues to evolve, driving demand and influencing associated expenses.