The shell ofMeretrix meretrix is the shell of the bivalve mollusk belonging to the Veneridae family. It is widely used in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and possesses multiple effects. The details are as follows:
The main component of theMeretrix meretrixshell is calcium carbonate, and it also contains trace elements, amino acids, and other substances. Modern research has found that it has anti-aging effects: it can significantly reduce lipid peroxidation in animals and increase the activity of superoxide dismutase. In addition, when combined with other Chinese herbal medicines, theMeretrix meretrixshell can be made into external proprietary Chinese medicines with anti-inflammatory, tissue-repairing, antipruritic, and analgesic effects, which are used to treat various skin inflammations.
