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

The silkworm is the larva or caterpillar of the domesticated silkmoth, Bombyx mori and being a primary producer of silk is an economically important insect. These days, silk is emerging as a resource for solving a broad range of biological problems. The silk is popularly known as Abresham muqriz (muqriz means cut) in Unani medicine. Its cocoons are extensively used as an ingredient of various Unani formulations like Khameer-e- Abresham Sada, Khameere Abresham Hakeem Arshad Wala, Khameere Abresham Ood Mastagi Wala etc. and are used to treat many cardiac and nervous disorders. The hypolipidemic activity of this drug, along with Nepata Hindostana (Badranjboya) and Terminalia Arjuna (Arjun) has been documented. But the action of Bombyx mori cocoons as a single drug is not been documented yet. This review article will highlight the experimentally proven effects of Aabresham (B.mori) as a single drug along with a new formulation (decoction), for the prevention of atherosclerosis and hyperlipidemia.