Cuticle callus

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Silkworm eggs

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Cuticle callus

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Category:

Other

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Detailed Information

Product Overview

　　It generally refers to the silkworm cocoon. During the pupal stage, the silkworm is enclosed in a sac-like protective layer that does not contain the pupa itself. This protective layer comprises the cocoon shell, the cocoon layer, and the pupal lining, among other components. The cocoon layer can be reeled into silk, while the cocoon shell and the waste silk remaining after reeling can be used as raw materials for silk cotton and satin spinning, or as feedstock for chemical extraction.

Formation process

　　After the mature silkworms are transferred to the rearing frame, they first spin loose, disheveled cocoon shells; subsequently, the cephalothorax begins to oscillate in a regular pattern, extruding silk loops in a “U” or infinity (∞) shape. When 15 to 25 such loops are accumulated, they form a single silk sheet. Through continuous repositioning, numerous overlapping silk sheets are created and bound together by sericin, resulting in a cocoon layer characterized by numerous microscopic pores between the silk filaments. The silk filaments in the cocoon layer are referred to as cocoon filaments; once the cocoon layer has been completely formed from the outside inward, the silkworm’s body shrinks markedly, its movements become sluggish, and its silk-spinning loses its regularity. Finally, a loose, extremely thin inner layer of silk forms within the cocoon cavity, known as the pupal lining, thereby completing the process of silk spinning and cocoon formation. Silkworm cocoons exhibit various shapes, including elliptical, ellipsoidal with a constricted waist (resembling a peanut), spherical, and spindle-shaped. When the silkworms are unhealthy, the rearing frame is poorly designed, or the method of transferring them to the frame is improper, deformed and substandard cocoons may result, such as “firewood-printed” cocoons bearing marks from the frame, double-cocoon formations in which two silkworms jointly construct a single cocoon, as well as yellow-spotted cocoons and internally printed cocoons. Cocoons come in colors ranging from white, yellow, pale red, pale green, to flesh-red; in commercial production, white cocoons are most commonly used. The pigments responsible for the colored varieties can be removed through degumming and refining. The structure of the cocoon layer is primarily determined by the environmental conditions during cocoon formation: under excessively humid conditions, the cocoon layer becomes dense and rigid, with coarse, prominent surface wrinkles; under overly dry conditions, the cocoon layer becomes soft and flimsy, with few or inconspicuous surface wrinkles. In the former case, the cocoon filaments are prone to breakage during reeling, while in the latter, the filament morphology tends to become distorted, thereby adversely affecting silk quality.

Detailed Introduction

　　Verification: According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, silkworm cocoons are frequently employed in prescription books, yet they are not mentioned in any of the classical materia medica—truly an omission. In recent times, they have been used to treat carbuncles and furuncles as a substitute for acupuncture; one cocoon is said to draw out one head of the abscess, two cocoons two heads. A decoction made from them is used to treat diabetes insipidus, and ancient prescriptions highly commend this remedy. Zhu Danxi of the Danxi school stated that this substance can drain the “superfluous fire” in the bladder, drawing the pure qi upward to the mouth, thereby quenching thirst.

　　Medicinal material: Elongated-ovoid in shape, with a slight constriction at the middle; about 3–4 cm long and 1.7–2.1 cm in diameter. The surface is white, covered with irregular wrinkles and adherent silk filaments that appear velvety. The internal wall exhibits highly regular silken patterns. The texture is light yet resilient, making it difficult to tear. Unemerged silkworm cocoons contain a single yellow-brown pupa and, prior to pupation, a pale-brown, shrunken silkworm skin that has been shed. This product is produced throughout all silkworm-raising regions of the country.

　　Chemical composition: The chemical composition of cocoons produced by silkworms reared on Rou Sang leaves is as follows: moisture 1.40%, ash 1.14%, protein 97.34%, ether-soluble extractives 0.26%, and fiber 0.39%.

　　Pharmacological effects: The cocoon of the silkworm exhibits cholinomimetic activity. A 90% ethanol extract of silkworm cocoons, after treatment with petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and chloroform, exerts cholinergic effects on the blood pressure of anesthetized cats, on isolated guinea-pig ileum, and on the duodenum of rabbits; however, it has no effect on striated muscle in frog rectus abdominis preparations.

　　Identification of crude medicinal materials: macroscopic identification. The silkworm cocoon is oblong-elliptical or slightly constricted in the middle, 3–4 cm long and 1.7–2.1 cm in diameter. The surface is white or pale yellow, with irregular wrinkles and adherent silk filaments that appear as tufted, downy hairs. The inner wall is lined with neatly arranged silk threads. The material is light yet resilient and not easily torn. It has a slight fishy odor and a bland taste.

　　Efficacy Classification: Hemostatic Drug

　　Nature and taste: According to the Compendium of Materia Medica, it is sweet, warm, and non-toxic.

　　Functions and Indications: Treats hematochezia, hematuria, metrorrhagia, polydipsia, nausea, malnutrition-related sores, and carbuncles.

　　Usage and Dosage: For internal use: decoct in water, 1–3 qian; or incorporate into powdered preparations. For external use: grind into a powder and sprinkle, or prepare a paste for topical application.

　　Formula Selection: ① For treating intestinal wind, hematochezia and hematuria, and dysuria with pain: equal parts of cocoon yellow, silkworm exuviae paper (both charred to retain their properties), late silkworm excrement, and white僵蚕 (all stir-fried). Grind into a powder and add a small amount of musk. Take two qian each time, washed down with rice congee, three times daily. (Cocoon Yellow Powder from the Sacred Benefit Formulas)

　　② Treatment for diabetes insipidus: Prepare a decoction of silkworm cocoons and take one cup per dose. (From “Zhu’s Collection of Proven Medical Prescriptions”)

　　③ For treating residual toxins from smallpox in children, resulting in festering, ulcerating sores on the limbs and joints with persistent purulent discharge: Take silkworm cocoons—quantity is not restricted—crush raw white alum with a mallet, pack it tightly into the cocoons, then char them over charcoal fire until the alum solution has completely dried; remove the charred cocoons and grind them into a fine powder. Apply the powder directly to the base of the ulcers. If swelling and pain develop, further administer the “Life-Saving Decoction.” (Mian Jian San, from “Discussions on Smallpox and Rashes in Children”)

　　④ Treatment for regurgitation and vomiting: Take ten silkworm cocoons, boil them to make a decoction, cook three chicken eggs in the broth, and consume them, washing it down with clear, alcohol-free wine; take twice daily. (From “Pu Ji Fang”)

　　⑤ Treatment for oral ulcers: Char silkworm cocoons into ash, mix with honey, and apply inside the mouth. (Quanzhou Materia Medica)