Physicochemical and Phytochemical evaluation of Cocoon of Bombyx mori Linn. (Abresham)
*N.M.A. Rasheed, M.A. Shareef, A. Mateen, Atiya Rehana, M.A. Waheed, Shamsul Arfin, 1Shamshad A. Khan and Aminuddin
Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine
Hippocratic Journal of Unani Medicine October - December 2012, Vol. 7 No. 4, Pages 101-112
Abstract
De-wormed cocoon of Bombyx mori Linn. (Silkworm) of Bombycidae family, plays a foremost role in Unani system of medicine. Its decoction is used in the preparation of Unani compound formulations for the treatment of different diseases like cardiovascular and cerebro-vascular
disorders. Because of these prominent medicinal properties, the drug was standardized according to WHO guidelines. The main aspects included in the study were organoleptic characters, morphological features, physico- chemical & phytochemical parameters, fluorescence analysis of decoction and infusion of the drug extracts and HPTLC profile. The study also included safety evaluation measures, such as heavy metal analysis, microbial load, aflatoxins which provide scientific means regarding the qualitative and quantitative aspects. They are widely accepted in the quality assessment of herbal drugs and also to lay down the standard for the genuine drug. Phytochemical screening was also carried out in the drug extracts. The present study is aimed to standardize and provide the scientific evidences for the decoction and infusion of the drug for its safe and effective therapeutic potential.