Structural and Compositional Changes in Two Marine Shell Traditional Chinese Medicines: A Comparative Analysis Pre- and Post-Calcination.

This article focuses on the comparative analysis of two marine shellfish traditional Chinese medicines (msTCM), Arcae concha and Meretricis concha cyclinae concha, examining their inorganic and organic components before and after calcination. Using techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, the study found that both shells primarily contain calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the aragonite crystal form, which transforms into calcite after calcination, significantly increasing CaCO3 solubility. Protein content, especially acid-soluble proteins, was higher than water-soluble proteins but decreased markedly after calcination due to thermal decomposition. Principal component analysis of inorganic elements revealed differences in trace element composition between the two shells, which may influence their distinct therapeutic uses, highlighting the need to consider these variations in clinical applications and quality control.