Carapax Trionycis
Source
The shell of Trionyx sinensis Wiegmann, family Trionychidae.
Characteristics
Shell ovate or elliptical, slightly protruding at the back, 10-15 cm long,
9-14
cm broad. Surface black-brown, with fine reticular marks and grey patches,
and a back ridge in the middle; 9 shell pieces appearing on each of the
two sides, jointed together with serrated fissures; inner surface whitish,
with vertebral column in the middle and 8 pairs of ribs on two sides connected
with the shell pieces extending beyond the margin of the shell. With a
smell of fish. Salty in taste, slightly cold in nature; and attributive
to liver and kidney channels.
Indication
1. Nourish yin and suppress the sthenic yang: For yin-deficiency with
hyperactivity
of asthenic fire manifested as hectic fever and night sweating; or for
the late stage of febrile diseases with consumption of yin fluid manifested
as night fever; or for convulsion of yin-deficiency type.
2. Soften and disperse the lumps: For abdominal mass; recently, used for
hepatosplenomegaly.
Pharmacological
Action
It contains colloid, keratin, iodine and vitamin D. It may inhibit the
hyperplasia of connective tissue and enhance the function of plasma proteins.
Administration Decoction: 10-30g (decocted first).