Abstract

AABRESHAM (BOMBYX MORI): A BOON TO MEDICAL SCIENCE FOR THE PREVENTION OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Aliya Parveen* and Zarnigar

ABSTRACT

The silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of the domesticated silkmoth,Bombyx mori and being a primary producer of silk is an economicallyimportant insect. These days, silk is emerging as a resource for solvinga broad range of biological problems. The silk is popularly known asAbresham muqriz (muqriz means cut) in Unani medicine. Its cocoonsare extensively used as an ingredient of various Unani formulationslike Khameer-e- Abresham Sada, Khameere Abresham HakeemArshad Wala, Khameere Abresham Ood Mastagi Wala etc. and areused to treat many cardiac and nervous disorders. The hypolipidemicactivity of this drug, along with Nepata Hindostana (Badranjboya) andTerminalia Arjuna (Arjun) has been documented. But the action ofBombyx mori cocoons as a single drug is not been documented yet. This review article willhighlight the experimentally proven effects of Aabresham (B.mori) as a single drug alongwith a new formulation (decoction), for the prevention of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia.

Keywords: Aabresham, Hyperlipidemia, Atherosclerosis