Document of bibliographic reference 287912

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

Are the traditional medical uses of Muricidae molluscs substantiated by their pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds?

Abstract

Marine molluscs from the family Muricidae hold great potential for development as a source of therapeutically useful compounds. Traditionally known for the production of the ancient dye Tyrian purple, these molluscs also form the basis of some rare traditional medicines that have been used for thousands of years. Whilst these traditional and alternative medicines have not been chemically analysed or tested for efficacy in controlled clinical trials, a significant amount of independent research has documented the biological activity of extracts and compounds from these snails. In particular, Muricidae produce a suite of brominated indoles with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and steroidogenic activity, as well as choline esters with muscle-relaxing and pain relieving properties. These compounds could explain some of the traditional uses in wound healing, stomach pain and menstrual problems. However, the principle source of bioactive compounds is from the hypobranchial gland, whilst the shell and operculum are the main source used in most traditional remedies. Thus further research is required to understand this discrepancy and to optimise a quality controlled natural medicine from Muricidae.

WebOfScience code

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000360625700029

Bibliographic citation

Benkendorff, K.; Rudd, D.; Nongmaithem, B.; Liu, L.; Young, F.; Edwards, V.; Avila, C.; Abbott, C. (2015). Are the traditional medical uses of Muricidae molluscs substantiated by their pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds? Mar. Drugs 13(8): 5237-5275. https://dx.doi.org/10.3390/md13085237

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true