Introduction to Turtle Shell Extract Products
Turtle shell extract is a natural nutrient extracted from the carapaces of turtle species. It contains rich proteins, minerals, collagen and other components. These components endow turtle shell extract with various effects and application values.
Main Components
The main components of turtle shell extract include nutrients such as proteins, calcium, phosphorus, and collagen. Among them, collagen is an important part of skin care and beauty.
Effects
- Skin Care: Turtle shell extract is rich in collagen, which can help maintain skin elasticity and moisture, slow down skin aging, and make the skin smoother and more delicate.
- Joint Care: The rich proteins and minerals help maintain joint health and relieve joint pain and discomfort.
- Nutritional Supplement: The various nutrients in turtle shell extract can provide comprehensive nutritional support for the body and enhance physical fitness.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical Field: Commonly used in the formulations of joint - care products, skin - care products, protein supplements and other medical and health products.
- Cosmetics Field: Used in skin - care products, masks, lotions and other products, with effects such as moisturizing, anti - wrinkle, and improving skin elasticity.
- Food Field: Can also be used as a food additive to increase the nutritional value of food, such as a supplement in a nutritionally balanced diet.
Overall, due to its rich nutrients and various effects, turtle shell extract has broad application prospects in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food fields.
Production Process of Turtle Shell Extract
The production process of turtle shell extract usually includes the following steps:
1. Raw Material Preparation
First, fresh turtle shells need to be prepared as raw materials. The turtle shells should come from healthy and disease - free turtle species and undergo strict inspection and screening.
2. Cleaning Treatment
The collected turtle shells are cleaned to remove impurities, dirt, sand and other debris on the surface, ensuring the purity of the extract.
3. Crushing and Grinding
The cleaned turtle shells are crushed and ground into turtle shell powder with a smaller particle size. This step aims to increase the surface area of the turtle shells and facilitate the subsequent extraction process.
4. Extraction Process
Appropriate extraction agents (such as water, ethanol, etc.) are used to extract the active components from the turtle shell powder. The extraction process can adopt methods such as soaking, leaching, and ultrasonic extraction.
5. Filtration and Concentration
The extracted liquid is filtered to remove residues and impurities, obtaining a clear extract. Then, concentration treatment is carried out, gradually evaporating and concentrating the water in the extract to obtain the concentrated turtle shell extract.
6. Refining and Purification
The concentrated turtle shell extract is refined and purified to remove impure substances and improve the product's purity and activity.
7. Drying and Finished Product
Finally, the refined turtle shell extract is dried to reach an appropriate moisture content. Then it is packaged to obtain the finished turtle shell extract product.
The entire production process requires strict control of the process parameters and operating conditions of each step to ensure the product's quality, purity and stability. At the same time, it needs to comply with relevant production standards and regulations to ensure the product's safety and reliability.
Efficacy, Effects and Side Effects of Turtle Shell Extract
Turtle shell extract is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and folk medicine and has various effects.
1. Nourishing Effect
Turtle shell extract is rich in nutrients such as proteins, amino acids and trace elements, and has a nourishing effect, which can enhance human immunity and improve physical fitness.
2. Nourishing Yin and Moistening Dryness
Turtle shell extract has the effect of nourishing yin and moistening dryness, and is suitable for conditions such as yin deficiency and excessive fire, and dry constipation.
3. Moistening the Lungs and Relieving Cough
For some chronic coughs, dry coughs, hemoptysis and other symptoms, turtle shell extract has the effect of moistening the lungs and relieving cough.
4. Nourishing Yin and Nourishing Blood
Turtle shell extract contains various active components beneficial to blood, which can nourish yin and nourish blood, and is suitable for conditions such as anemia and irregular menstruation.
5. Promoting Blood Circulation and Removing Meridian Obstruction
In traditional Chinese medicine theory, turtle shell has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing meridian obstruction, which can improve blood circulation and relieve symptoms of blood stasis.
Liver Protection
Some studies suggest that softshell turtle shell extract may have certain protective effects on the liver, helping regulate liver function and reduce liver burden.
Immune System Enhancement
Softshell turtle shell extract contains various bioactive compounds beneficial to the immune system, which may help enhance immunity and improve resistance.
Antioxidant Properties
Certain components in softshell turtle shell extract exhibit antioxidant properties, which can help slow down cell aging and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Lipid-Lowering Effects
Some research indicates that softshell turtle shell extract may help regulate blood lipid levels, potentially reducing blood lipids and preventing cardiovascular diseases.
It is important to note that while softshell turtle shell extract offers various potential benefits, it should be used with caution. Individual differences may lead to allergic reactions or adverse effects. It is recommended to follow medical advice and avoid excessive consumption to prevent unnecessary side effects. If any discomfort occurs during use, discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.
Applications and Dosage of Softshell Turtle Shell Extract
Softshell turtle shell extract has various applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.
Pharmaceutical Applications
- Nourishment and Conditioning: Commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine formulations to nourish kidney yang, clear heat, and relieve dryness-induced coughs. Typical dosage: 3–9g, decocted or included in pill formulations.
- Cough Treatment: Available in syrup or granule form for treating chronic coughs and dry coughs. Typical adult dosage: 5–10g per dose, taken 2–3 times daily.
- Blood Nourishment and Circulation Improvement: Used in traditional medicine for conditions such as anemia and irregular menstruation. Typical dosage: 6–12g per dose, decocted and consumed.
Food Applications
- Health Supplements: Incorporated into functional food formulations for its nourishing and immune-boosting properties. Dosage is determined based on formulation standards.
- Nutritional Products: Used in certain health and wellness products aimed at improving physical condition and energy levels. Dosage should follow product instructions.
Cosmetic Applications
- Skincare Products: The bioactive compounds in softshell turtle shell extract help retain skin moisture and improve dryness and roughness. Dosage varies depending on the product formulation.
- Nourishing Hair Masks: Some hair masks contain softshell turtle shell extract to nourish hair and improve dryness and frizziness. Usage should follow product guidelines.
Proper usage and dosage should follow medical guidance or product instructions. Dosage and application methods may vary depending on the intended use. If adverse reactions or allergies occur, discontinue use and seek medical attention.
Source, Distribution, and Growth Environment of Softshell Turtle Shell Extract
Softshell turtle shell extract is derived from the shell of softshell turtles, which are reptiles belonging to the Trionychidae family. Below is detailed information on its source, distribution, and habitat.
Source Organism
Softshell turtles are semi-aquatic reptiles that inhabit both water and land environments. They are ancient creatures with flat bodies and tough outer shells, which serve as the main raw material for the extract.
Distribution
Softshell turtles are widely distributed across tropical and temperate regions worldwide, including Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. China is one of the primary regions for softshell turtle populations, with many species found in its freshwater bodies and terrestrial habitats.
Growth Environment
- Aquatic Habitat: Softshell turtles primarily inhabit freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. They thrive in water, where they swim, feed, and rest.
- Terrestrial Habitat: Softshell turtles can also adapt to land environments, often found along riverbanks, wetlands, fields, grasslands, and forests. They move on land for basking, feeding, and other activities.
Softshell turtles are most active in warm seasons and prefer environments with abundant sunlight and clean water. As omnivorous animals, they feed on plants, insects, small fish, and mollusks. They play a crucial role in aquatic and semi-aquatic ecosystems.
However, softshell turtles face environmental challenges such as habitat destruction, water pollution, and overfishing. Sustainable management and conservation are necessary to ensure responsible use of softshell turtle resources. The extraction of their shells for medicinal purposes should comply with relevant legal and environmental regulations.
Processing and Storage of Softshell Turtle Shell Extract
Processing Steps
- Cleaning: Collected softshell turtle shells are thoroughly cleaned to remove impurities.
- Grinding: The cleaned shells are ground into powder.
- Extraction: Bioactive compounds are extracted using solvent extraction or supercritical fluid extraction methods.
- Purification and Drying: The extracted material undergoes filtration, concentration, and drying to obtain the final softshell turtle shell extract.
Storage Guidelines
- Store in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid exposure to strong acids, strong bases, and other reactive chemicals to prevent quality degradation.
- Regularly inspect the product for quality and appearance to ensure it remains in good condition.
- Use appropriate packaging to protect against contamination and oxidation.
By following proper storage guidelines, the stability and efficacy of softshell turtle shell extract can be maintained.
