Bombyx, Silkworm, Bai Jiang Can 白僵蚕
Bai Jiang Can (TCM)
Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491
Silkworm, Silkworm Cocoon, Silk
Insectorum sive Minimorum Animalium Theatrum, 1634
Live Silkworms
(Photo by Bingar1234) (Wikimedia)
White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) (Adam, 2019)
Entomological name:
Two main species supply the market:
- Bombyx mori
- Beauveria bassiana
Parts used:
1. Dead Silkworm (West)
2. White Dead Silkworm (Lava infected with fungus) (TCM)
The medicine used in TCM is the immature Silkworm which has been infected with the fungus Beauveria bassiana.
However, the regular Dead Silkworm has been used similarly.
Temperature & Taste:
Neutral. Pungent, Salty
Constituents:
Proteins: 45% incl. chitin, beaverician
Amino Acids: 17 different including lysine, leucine, aspartic acid
Fatty acids: meso-erythritol, citric acid, decanoic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid
Flavonoids: quercetin, kaempferol
Enzymes: Chitinase, proteinase, serrapeptase
Organic acids
Ammonium oxalate
Steroids (8), Coumarins, Polysaccharides (4%)
Trace elements: Al, Fe, Ca, Mg, P, B, Ba, Cu, Cr, La, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, U, Y, Zn
Classification:
Uses:
1. Settles Wind, Stops Spasms: (TCM, West)
-Childhood Convulsions, Febrile Convulsions, Night Terrors
-Vertigo, Dizziness (TCM, West)
-Epilepsy, Seizures, Spasms, Convulsions (TCM, West)
-Paralysis, Facial Paralysis
-Slurred Speech, Loss of Speech
-especially for Internal Wind or Wind-Phlegm-Heat conditions
-“Silk-worms reduced into powder, and thrown on the crown of the head, help to cure the Vertigo and Epilepsy”. (Medicinalis Hibernica, K’eogh, 1739)
2. Clears Wind-Heat, Resists Poison, Eases Pain:
-Headache, Migraine
-Red, Itchy Eyes; Sinusitis
-Swollen, Sore Throat, Loss of Voice, Laryngitis
-“good against poison, and the bitings of Mad Dogs”. (Medicinalis Hibernica, K’eogh, 1739)
-“resist the malignity of the spotted fever, plague, small pox, measles, and other contagious disorders”. (Medicinalis Hibernica, K’eogh, 1739)
3. Moves the Blood, Clears Phlegm, Resolves Masses:
-Phlegm Nodules, Scrofula, Lymphatic Swellings
-Mastitis, Fibrocytic Breast Disease
-Postpartum Pain, Uterine Bleeding
4. Clears Wind-Damp, Eases Pain:
-Back Pain
-Osteoarthritis, Rheumatism
5. Clears Phlegm, Stops Cough and Wheezing: (TCM, West)
-Cough, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma (TCM)
-“Asthma’s, Pleurisies, and most disorders of the Lungs”. (Medicinalis Hibernica, K’eogh, 1739)
6. Clears Wind, Stops Itching:
-Itchy skin lesions (from external or internal wind)
-sensation as if insects are crawling under the skin
-deep-seated Sores and Abscesses
-Leg Ulcers
Dose:
1. Dead Silkworm and White Dead Silkworm can be used for similar uses and in similar doses.
Decoction: 3–9 grams
Powder: 500–1500mg (up tp 3 grams)
Spirit: 30–60 drops
Volatile Salt: 6–12 grains
Comment:
Salmon in his Pharmacopoeia Londinensis (1696) says ‘the whole Worms dried and powdered, and laid to the Crown of the Head, cure Megrims [Migraine], Vertigo and Convulsions’.
The Silkworm has properties similar to the White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) of TCM which is the Silkworm infected with a fungal species. White Dead Silkworm is stronger, and also keeps well whereas the dead silkeworm will perish quickly.
The indications given above are for White Dead Silkworm. ‘West’ denotes a similar use of the dead Silkworm (not infected) in the Wetsern Tradition.
Preparation:
1. Bran-Fried Silkworm (Chao Jiang Can):
The Silkworms are stir-fried in a wok full or heated bran, stirring until the silkworms become yellow. This lessens their wind-clearing and antispasmodic effect, but enhances their ability to clear Phlegm and Damp. It also removes some of their unpleasant scent and taste, and minimises side effects and allergic reactions.
Main Combinations:
Fever, Heat Diseases, Inflammation:
1. Febrile Diseases, Mumps:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Coptis Huang Lian, Scrophularia Xuan Shen
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Isatis Ban Lan Gen, Burdock seed (Niu Bang Zi), Puffball (Ma Bo).
iii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Pearl, Tabasheer, Bezoar
2. Febrile Convulsions:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Cicada Slough Chan Tui, Uncaria Gou Teng, Chrysanthemum Ju Hua (TCM)
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi), Antelope horn (Ling Yang Jiao), Gentiana Long Dan Cao
3. Childhood Fever, Cough with excess mucus, Night Crying, Irritability: White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Saposhnikovia Fang Feng, Tabasheer, Gastrodia Tian Ma, Mint, Scorpion, Amber, Pearl, Bezoar (as in Bao Ying Dan–Bo Ying Compound)
4. Red, Sore, Tearing Eyes, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye), Horsetail (Mu Zei), Schizonepeta Jing Jie (TCM)
5. Swollen, Sore Throat; Tonsillitis:
i. from Wind-Heat, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Platycodon Jie Geng, Mint (Bo He), Saposhnikovia Fang Feng
ii. from Heat-Toxin, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Licorice, Scutellaria Huang Qin
iii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Platycodon Jie Geng, Sophora tonkinensis Shan Dou Gen, Belamcanda She Gan, Licorice
iv. from Heat and Toxin, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Puffball (Ma Bo), Forsythia Lian Qiao, Scrophularia Xuan Shen, Platyocodon Jie Geng
v. with stronger Heat and Toxin, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Burdock seed (Niu Bang Zi), Lonicera Jin Yin Hua, Mint, Isatis root (Ban Lan Gen), Platycodon Jie Geng, Scutellaria Huang Qin, Rhubarb (Da Huang)
6. Scrofula, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Scophularia Xuan Shen, Fritillaria Bei Mu, Oyster shell (Mu Li)
Spasms, Convulsions, Wind diseases:
7. Childhood Convulsions:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Tabasheer, Gardenia Zhi Zi, Curcuma Yu Jin
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Coptis Huang Lian, Arisaema prepared with Bile (Dan Nan Xing), Gastrodia Tian Ma, Scorpion, Bezoar, Borneo Camphor, Licorice (as in Qian Jin Powder)
iii. chronic Childhood Convulsions from deficiency, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Codonopsis Dang Shen, Atractylodes Bai Zhu, Gastrodia Tian Ma (TCM)
iv. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Scorpion (Quan Xie), Gastrodia Tian Ma, Arisaema prepared with Bile (Dan Nan Xing) (TCM)
v. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Gastrodia Tian Ma, Picrorhiza Hu Huang Lian, Rhubarb, Arisaema prepared with Bile (Dan Nan Xing), Pinellia Ban Xia, Scorpion, Tabasheer, synthetic Bezoar, synthetic Musk, Borno Camphor (as in Niu Huang Xiao Er Powder)
8. Epilepsy or “Wind-Fright”:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Calamus (Shi Chang Pu), Tabasheer (Tian Zhu Huang), Scorpion (Quan Xie), Curcuma Yu Jin,
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Calamus (Shi Chang Pu), Paeonia Bai Shao, Magnetite (Ci Shi), Gypsum (Shi Gao), Oyster shell (Mu Li), Scorpion (Quan Xie), Centipede (Wu Gong) (as in Dian Xian Ping Tablets)
9. Facial Paralysis:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Scorpion (Quan Xie), Centipede (Wu Gong)
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Scorpion (Quan Xie), Typhonium Bai Fu Zi
10. Trigeminal Neuralgia:
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Scorpion (Quan Xie), Typhonium Bai Fu Zi
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Dang Gui, Scorpion (Quan Xie), Centipede (Wu Gong), Cicada Slough (Chan Tui), Earthworm (Di Long), Paeonia Bai Shao, Licorice (Gan Cao).
11. Apoplexy:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Dang Gui, Safflower, Salvia Dan Shen, Earthworm, Scorpion, Centipede (as in Zhong Feng Hui Chun Pills)
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Earthworm, Scorpion, Typhonium Bai Fu Zi, Ligusticum Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui, Paeonia Chi Shao Yao, Saposhnikovia Fang Feng, Borneo Camphor (as in Fu Fang Qian Zheng Gao)
iii. loss of speech, deviation of the mouth, hemiplegia, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Tabasheer (Tian Zhu Huang), Gastrodia Tian Ma, Scorpion (Quan Xie), Safflower (Hong Hua).
12. Night Terrors, Restless or Crting Infants, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Gastrodia Tian Ma, Amber, Pearl, Tabasheer
13. Headache:
i. Frontal, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Angelica Bai Zhi
ii. from Wind-Heat, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Ligusticum Chuan Xiong, Chrysanthemum Ju Hua
iii. from Liver wind with Dizziness, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Chrysanthemum Ju Hua, Gastrodia Tian Ma, Uncaria Gou Teng, Paeonia Bai Shao, Tribulus Bai Ji Li.
iv. Stubborn, Chronic headaches, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Gastrodia Tian Ma, Ligusticum Chuan Xiong, Centipede Wu Gong, Scorpion (Quan Xie)
14. Wind attack with Headache, numbness, dizziness, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Ephedra Ma Huang, Lindera Wu Yao
15. Tetanus, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Scorpion (Quan Xie), Gastrodia Tian Ma, Arisaema prepared with Bile (Dan Nan Xing) (TCM)
16. Psychosis, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Cinnabar, Amber
Other:
17. Chronic Joint Pain Rheumatism, Sciatica, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with prepared Nux Vomica (Ma Qian Zi), Frankincense (Ru Xiang), Myrrh (Mo Yao), Ephedra (Ma Huang), Achyranthese Niu Xi, Licorice, Scorpion (as in Feng Shi Ma Qian Pian)
18. Itchy Skin:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Cicada Slough (Chan Tui), Saposhnikovia Fang Feng and Paeonia Mu Dan Pi
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Cicada Slough (Chan Tui), Saposhnikovia Fang Feng, Sophora Ku Shen, Dictamnus Bai Xian Pi, China root (Tu Fu Ling), Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang, Dang Gui (as in Xiao Feng San)
19. Acute and Chronic Eczema:
i. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Paeonia Chi Shao Yao, Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang
ii. White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Cicada Slough, Wasp Nest, Viper (Wu She), Dictamnus Bai Xian Pi. (as in Wu She Chan Ti Tang)
20. Multiple Boils, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Violet (Zi Hua Di Ding), Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying), Lonicera Jin Yin Hua, Paeonia Chi Shao Yao, Astragalus Huang Qi (as in Jiang Can formula)
21. Scrofula, Phlegm Nodules, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Self Heal (Xia Ku Cao), Fritillaria Zhe Bei Mu, Oyster shell (Mu Li)
22. Goiter, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Sargassum, Kelp, Self Heal (Xia Ku Cao), Pinellia Ban Xia, Cuttlefish bone, Licorice
23. Cough, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Earthworm (Di Long), Citrus peel (Chen Pi)
24. Difficulty Breathing, Breathlessness: dry Silkworms in an oven, powder, mix with Honey and give 2 spoonfuls as a dose. (The Secrets of Alexis, 1615)
25. Mastitis, apply the powder of Silkworm mixed with Vinegar
26. Fibrocytic Breasts, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with Self Heal (Xia Ku Cao), Bupleurum Chai Hu, Rose, Dang Gui, Oyster shell (Mu Li)
27. Chilblains, White Dead Silkworm (Bai Jiang Can) with unprepared Aconitum (Chuan Wu), Earthworm (Di Long) as a paste topically.
Major Formulas:
Bao Ying Dan (Bo Ying Compound)
Chen Xiang Tian Ma Wan
Dian Xian Ping Tablets
Dian Xian Kang Capsule
Ding Xian Wan
Fu Fang Qian Zheng Gao
Hui Chun Dan
Niu Huang Xiao Er San
Niu Huang Qian Jin San
Niu Huang Bao Long Pian
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Qian Jin San
Qian Zheng San
Wu She Chan Yi Tang
Xing Pi San
Xiao Er Liang You San
Xiao Feng San
Zhong Feng Hui Chun Pian
Cautions:
None noted.
Avoid overdose.
Toxicity:
1. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest oppression, palpitations, and chest pain.
2. Allergic reactions and anaphylactic shock have been reported, though rarely.
3. It may become contaminated with Aflatoxin which is toxic and carcinogenic.
Main Preparations used:
GENERAL / REVIEW:
–Traditional Uses, Origins, Chemistry and Pharmacology of Bombyx batryticatus: A Review
–[Studies on the chemical constituents of Bombyx batryticatus].
–Serrapeptase Uses
–[Quality status of Bombyx Batryticatus and suggestions for Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2025)].
–[Research progress on processing historical evolution, chemical constituents, and pharmacological action of Bombyx Batryticatus].
PROCESSING:
–In situ detection and mass spectrometry imaging of protein-related metabolites in Bombyx batryticatus before and after frying with wheat bran.
–[Scientific connotation of processing Bombyx Batryticatus under high temperature].
ANTIOXIDANT:
–Solvent Fractionation and LC-MS Profiling, Antioxidant Properties, and alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Bombyx batryticatus.
ALPHA-GLUCOSIDASE INHIBITOR:
–Solvent Fractionation and LC-MS Profiling, Antioxidant Properties, and alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Bombyx batryticatus.
INHIBITS PLATELET AGGREGATION / INHIBIT COAGULATION:
–A novel peptide inhibitor of platelet aggregation from stiff silkworm, Bombyx batryticatus.
–Hematological studies on naturally occurring substances. II. Effects of animal crude drugs on blood coagulation and fibrinolysis systems.
ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION:
–[Antibacterial activity of water soluble fraction from Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans].
ANTICONVULSANT:
–Anticonvulsant Activity of Bombyx batryticatus and Analysis of Bioactive Extracts Based on UHPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS and Molecular Networking.
ANTI-EPILEPTIC:
–Antiepileptic Effects of Protein-Rich Extract from Bombyx batryticatus on Mice and Its Protective Effects against H(2)O(2)-Induced Oxidative Damage in PC12 Cells via Regulating PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathways.
CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA:
–Bombyx batryticatus extract activates coagulation factor to promote angiogenesis in rats with cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
–[Bombyx Batryticatus extract promotes microglia polarization to improve neuron injury and behaviors of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion rats].
NEPHROPROTECTIVE:
–Protective Effects of Bombyx batryticatus Protein-Rich Extract Against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in HEK293 Cells and a Mouse Model.
DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE:
–Predicting prospective therapeutic targets of Bombyx batryticatus for managing diabetic kidney disease through network pharmacology analysis.
CANCER:
–Insect medicines for colorectal cancer: A review of mechanisms, preclinical evidence, and future prospects.
–Beaveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin combined with cinnamaldehyde enhances anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effects of T cells by the PGC-1α/DRP1-regulated mitochondrial biogenesis and fission.
–Beauvericin exerts an anti-tumor effect on hepatocellular carcinoma by inducing PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis.
–Study on the anti-tumor mechanism related to immune microenvironment of Bombyx Batryticatus on viral and non-viral infections of hepatocellular carcinoma.
–Molecular mechanisms of Bombyx batryticatus ethanol extract inducing gastric cancer SGC-7901 cells apoptosis.
–Anticancer activity of Bombyx batryticatus ethanol extract against the human tumor cell line HeLa.
–Structural elucidation and in vitro antitumor activity of a novel oligosaccharide from Bombyx batryticatus.
