MOLLUSCS: THEIR USAGE AS NUTRITION, MEDICINE, APHRODISIAC, COSMETIC, JEWELRY, COWRY, PEARL, ACCESSORY AND SO ON FROM THE HISTORY TO TODAY

Abstract

Present study has evaluated the usage and properties of the mollusc phylum from the history to today. Many types of molluscs are eaten worldwide, either cooked or raw due to their rich nutritional value. Furthermore, they are used as pearls, cowry and accessory materials, for tools like household dishes, cooking pots and utensils such as spoon, cutlery, scoops, spatulas, etc. Some of them are destructive and caused ecological damage, some serve as intermediate hosts for human parasites; some can cause damage to crops. Mollusc meat is known to be highly nutritious and salutary owing to its high content of essential amino acids, proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. In addition, some of the bioactive compounds including antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antifungal, antihelminthic and anticancer products are producing by molluscs. The largest edible snail is African land snail Achatina achatina mostly consumed by African people. Molluscs were very prominent dishes during the Roman Empire due to their aphrodisiac effect. Some mollusc species include zinc and essential amino acids which keeping up body energy and boost sex drive as aphrodisiac, arrange immune system and makes bones stronger. Pearls are highly esteemed bivalve products containing nacreous deposit composed of 82 - 86% calcium carbonate (aragonite crystals), 10-14% organic substance conchiolin and 2-4% water. Cowry is a marine snail from genus Cypraea dwelling on mostly in coastal waters of the Indian and Pacific oceans and used instead of money. Money cowry (Cypraea moneta), a 2.5cm yellow species, has served as currency in Africa. 

Keywords

• Mollusc
• Nutrition
• Medicine
• Cowry

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