Abresham (Bombyx mori Cocoon): A House of a Worm with Immense Medicinal Value

Abstract

Abresham is the cocoon shell produced by an insect Bombyx mori (silk worm). Silk worm is mainly depend on mulberry leaves and spun cocoon of silk filament around it. In Unani System of Medicine (USM), this cocoon is known as Abresham Kham and when cut into small pieces before roasting then it is termed as Abresham Kham Muqarraz. It is one of the most common animal origin drug used in USM for various diseases. Ibn Sina in his book “Al-Advia Wal Qalbiya” mentioned the properties of Abresham (Bombyx mori) as strong exhilarant, cardiotonic and brain tonic; therefore, it is mainly incorporated as chief ingredient in various Khamirajat. Several scientific studies also proved this traditional claim. Recent pharmacological and experimental studies also revealed its cardioprotective, neuroprotective, immunomodulary, wound healing, hypolipidemic and hypoglycaemic activities etc. The present review is therefore, an effort to give a detailed survey of the literature on its traditional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties.

Keywords: Abresham, cardiotonic, Khamira, silk cocoon, Unani

Cite this Article

Chaudhary SS, Aslam M, Khan AH, et al. Abresham (Bombyx mori cocoon): a house of a worm with immense medicinal value. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 2015; 6(3): 30–41p.