Prepared Stiff Silkworm

Chinese: 制僵蚕
Pinyin: Zhi Jiang Can
Latin: Bombyx Batryticatus Praeparata

Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Zhi Jiang Can (制僵蚕), this acrid and salty, neutral herb enters the Liver and Lung. Traditionally, it extinguishes wind and stops spasm ... prepared Jiang Can is used for convulsion, facial twitching, and wind-phlegm obstructing the channels, most often applied for facial paralysis, epilepsy, and sore throat. Modern research has identified Proteins, among its active constituents.

Also Known As

Processed Jiang Can Prepared Bombyx Batryticatus White-Stiff Silkworm Processed

Latin: Bombyx Batryticatus Praeparata | Pinyin: Zhi Jiang Can | Chinese: 制僵蚕

TCM Properties

Taste: acrid, salty
Temperature: neutral
Channels: Liver, Lung

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

Extinguishes wind and stops spasm ... prepared Jiang Can is used for convulsion, facial twitching, and wind-phlegm obstructing the channels.
Dispels wind and transforms phlegm ... it is important for facial paralysis, headache, sore throat, and head-neck patterns where phlegm and wind are intertwined.
Softens hardness and disperses nodules ... traditional use extends to phlegm nodules such as scrofula and thyroid swelling.

Secondary Actions

This prepared page should stay distinct from the future raw `stiff-silkworm` and the paler `white-stiff-silkworm` sibling ... the illustration workflow deliberately treats this as a processed pharmacy specimen.
Frying or related processing is used to clean the material and moderate odor or harshness rather than to create a different source species.

Classic Formulas

Qian Zheng San ... classic pairing with Bai Fu Zi and Quan Xie for wind-phlegm facial deviation.
Wind-phlegm throat and nodule powders ... Jiang Can is used for its dual channel-unblocking and phlegm-dispersing role.
Modified cough and wheezing prescriptions ... some regional uses pair Jiang Can with scorpion for stubborn phlegm-obstruction patterns.

Classical References

Traditional texts emphasize stopping spasm, resolving phlegm, and dispersing nodules.
Jiang Can is one of the characteristic herbs that links internal wind with phlegm obstruction.
Prepared forms are preferred when the dispensing lane calls for a cleaner, clinically processed insect specimen.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

Proteins, peptides, and amino-acid rich fractions ... core constituents discussed in Bombyx batryticatus reviews
Flavonoid-rich fractions and related small molecules ... increasingly studied for anti-inflammatory effects
Other antioxidant and immune-active components ... explored in neuroprotection and respiratory injury models

Studied Effects

A 2017 review summarized the traditional uses, origins, chemistry, and pharmacology of Bombyx batryticatus, giving a broad modern frame for Jiang Can's multi-lane classical use (PMID 29053625).
A 2025 study reported that a flavonoid-rich extract from Bombyx batryticatus alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury through PI3K/MAPK/NF-κB pathway effects, offering a modern correlate for its anti-inflammatory respiratory reputation (PMID 41465486).
A 2023 study on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats reported that Bombyx Batryticatus extract promoted microglia polarization and improved neuronal injury markers, extending interest in its neuroprotective potential (PMID 37005847).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

Known allergy to silkworm or related insect products
Blood deficiency without wind-phlegm or nodules as the main pattern

Cautions

Prepared Jiang Can is an animal-source medicament and should come from a properly processed pharmacy supply.
Because the material derives from silkworms affected by fungal disease, authentication and contamination control matter.

Drug Interactions

Anticonvulsants or sedatives ... additive CNS effects are possible, though direct clinical interaction data are limited

Conditions

Facial Paralysis Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
Epilepsy Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Sore Throat Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Thyroid Nodule Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Prepared Stiff Silkworm used for?

Prepared Stiff Silkworm is traditionally used to Extinguishes wind and stops spasm ... prepared Jiang Can is used for convulsion, facial twitching, and wind-phlegm obstructing the channels., Dispels wind and transforms phlegm ... it is important for facial paralysis, headache, sore throat, and head-neck patterns where phlegm and wind are intertwined., Softens hardness and disperses nodules ... traditional use extends to phlegm nodules such as scrofula and thyroid swelling.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2017 review summarized the traditional uses, origins, chemistry, and pharmacology of Bombyx batryticatus, giving a broad modern frame for Jiang Can's multi-lane classical use (PMID 29053625).; A 2025 study reported that a flavonoid-rich extract from Bombyx batryticatus alleviated LPS-induced acute lung injury through PI3K/MAPK/NF-κB pathway effects, offering a modern correlate for its anti-inflammatory respiratory reputation (PMID 41465486)..

What are other names for Prepared Stiff Silkworm?

Prepared Stiff Silkworm is also known as Processed Jiang Can, Prepared Bombyx Batryticatus, White-Stiff Silkworm Processed. In TCM: 制僵蚕 (Zhi Jiang Can); Bombyx Batryticatus Praeparata.

Is Prepared Stiff Silkworm safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Prepared Stiff Silkworm during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Prepared Stiff Silkworm?

Prepared Stiff Silkworm should not be used in: Known allergy to silkworm or related insect products; Blood deficiency without wind-phlegm or nodules as the main pattern. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Prepared Stiff Silkworm interact with any medications?

Prepared Stiff Silkworm may interact with: Anticonvulsants or sedatives ... additive CNS effects are possible, though direct clinical interaction data are limited. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.