The efficacy and function of murex

As people's living standards improve, they pay more attention to health preservation. Many people know that the Chinese medicine snail is good for the body and can treat many diseases. Let’s learn about it today.

【English name】 comb-papilla murex

[Other names] Bone shell, snail

[Source] Medicinal material source: The shells of the Murex family animals such as the Ctenopharyngeus murex, the Shallow-suture Murex, the Shallow-suture Murex, and the Hook-suture Murex.

[Original morphology] 1. Ctenophora spinulosa, the shell is fusiform, pecten-shaped, solid but not thick, the shell is generally about 100mm high, the tallest individual can reach 140mm, with about 8 whorls, and the suture line is concave and groove-shaped. The spiral part is low, only about 1/7 of the shell height. The body whorl expands. Each whorl has three well-developed longitudinal ribs, on which are spines of varying lengths. The height of the shoulder spines of the body whorl exceeds that of the previous whorl. Shell surface is off-white or light-colored. The outer lip has 7 long spines on the edge, which is a characteristic of this species. The anterior groove is long, about 4/7 of the shell height, and has three rows of pecten-shaped spines extending from above, with the spines on the outer side of the groove being particularly long. There are also three-lobed spines between the spines. The end of the furrow is slightly curved ventrally.

[Habitat distribution] Ecological environment: Inhabits the muddy seabed at a depth of 50-60m in shallow sea. It is carnivorous and a pest to shellfish farming.

[Properties] Identification of properties: 1. Murex, the shell is spherical, and the spiral ribs and longitudinal ribs on the surface are interwoven into a grid pattern. There are 7 whorls and they are relatively expanded. The suture line is concave and groove-shaped, with three longitudinal ribs, each with a row of long spines, and the shoulder spines are particularly developed. The shell opening is oval and the outer edge is tooth-like. It has a slight smell and tastes salty.

[Chemical composition] The shell of the shallow-seam snail contains calcium carbonate, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc, copper, etc.

[Pharmacological action] The subparvoid gland of the murex contains murex toxin, which is toxic and paralyzing to fish, amphibians and some invertebrates. This substance may work by stimulating ganglia and blocking neuromuscular transmission. All murex species contain murexine, which is similar to acetylcholine and can inhibit heart beats and lower blood pressure.

【Nature and flavor】 Salty; neutral

【Functions and indications】 Clears away heat and detoxifies. Mainly used for otitis media; sores, carbuncle, swelling and infection

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoction, 10-30g. For external use: take appropriate amount and grind into powder for application.

[Discussions by various scholars] "Chinese Medicinal Animals": It has the functions of clearing away heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and relieving pain. It is mainly used to treat carbuncles, otitis media, furuncle, lower limb ulcers, etc.

【Excerpt】 Chinese Materia Medica

Through the introduction of the above content, we can understand that the Chinese medicine snail plays a very important role in many aspects. Proper consumption of murex has many benefits to our body.