Can Sha (Bombyx mori excrement): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Can Sha work to relieve joint pain?

Can Sha contains chlorophyll, flavonoids, and amino acids that contribute to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, it expels wind-dampness from the body's channels, which is believed to relieve joint pain and muscle cramping. The chlorophyll content may also support tissue healing. Research on its specific mechanism remains limited (Evidence Level C), and more studies are needed to fully understand its pharmacological actions.

Does Can Sha interact with prescription medications?

There is limited clinical data on Can Sha interactions with pharmaceutical drugs. Due to its effects on circulation and potential anti-inflammatory properties, it may theoretically interact with blood thinners, anti-platelet medications, or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining Can Sha with prescription medications. Its interaction profile has not been well-established in clinical trials.

What is the correct dosage for Can Sha?

The typical adult dosage of Can Sha is 5-15 grams when prepared as a decoction. The herb should be wrapped in cloth before boiling to prevent particulate matter from entering the liquid. This preparation method is standard in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice. Dosage may vary based on individual condition and should be determined by a qualified TCM practitioner. Do not exceed recommended amounts without professional guidance.

Is Can Sha safe to take during pregnancy?

Can Sha is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided entirely. Traditional Chinese Medicine sources classify it as unsafe for pregnant women, though specific teratogenic studies are limited. Pregnant women, those attempting to conceive, or breastfeeding mothers should not use this herb. Always inform your healthcare provider about any herbal supplements if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.

What conditions is Can Sha used to treat?

Can Sha is primarily used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat joint pain associated with dampness, muscle cramping, itchy skin rashes, and abdominal pain. It is considered effective for expelling wind-dampness from the body's channels. Preliminary research has explored its anti-rheumatic potential (Evidence Level C), though robust clinical evidence remains limited. It is derived from silkworm feces and has a long history of use in TCM practice.

What side effects can Can Sha cause?

Can Sha may cause mild digestive upset in some individuals, including nausea or stomach discomfort. As with any herbal remedy, allergic reactions are possible, particularly in those sensitive to silkworm or mulberry products. The herb is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses when properly prepared. Discontinue use if you experience adverse reactions and consult a healthcare provider. Long-term safety data is limited.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 20 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Can Sha, consisting of silkworm (Bombyx mori) droppings, is a traditional medicinal resource used in eastern medicine for treating inflammatory and allergic conditions [PMID:29356892, PMID:31435932].

Background

Can Sha is the excrement of the silkworm (Bombyx mori), produced as a result of the digestion of mulberry leaves in the silkworm intestines [PMID:29356892, PMID:34306157].

Traditional uses

It is used in traditional medicine to treat skin diseases such as urticaria and atopy [PMID:29356892], as well as allergic itching, palsy, blood circulation problems, and arthritis in Asian countries [PMID:31435932].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include megastigmane sesquiterpenes such as (+)-dehydrovomifoliol, (6R,7E,9R)-9-hydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one, and (3S,5R,8R)-3,5-dihydroxymegastigma-6,7-dien-9-one [PMID:29356892, PMID:21544718]. Other constituents include flavonoids (e.g., 7,2'-dihydroxy-8-hydroxyethyl-4'-methoxyflavane-2'-O-β-d-glucopyranoside), roseoside, citroside A, and various fatty acids and amino acids [PMID:29356892, PMID:21462044, PMID:34306157].

Mechanism of action

Silkworm dropping extract (SDE) regulates the Th1/Th2 immune response by attenuating Th2-associated cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13) and increasing Th1-mediated cytokine IL-12 [PMID:29806566, PMID:31435932]. Certain compounds increase the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and SIRT1 [PMID:21544718, PMID:21462044].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DAllergic Contact Dermatitis

SDE significantly suppressed ear thickness, serum IgE levels, and levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in a mouse model [PMID:29806566]

Evidence DFood Allergy

SDE ameliorated symptoms of ovalbumin-induced food allergies by inhibiting Th2-related responses and mast cell degranulation [PMID:31435932]

Evidence DAlzheimer's Disease-related pathologies

Extracts from Bombycis excrementum significantly ameliorated amyloid-β oligomer-induced memory loss, neuronal death, and inflammation in mice [PMID:24898636]

Evidence DSkin Depigmentation

Methanol extract of silkworm droppings demonstrated depigmentation effects in a zebrafish model [PMID:29356892]

Evidence DColorectal Cancer (HT-29 cells)

Methanolic extract of silkworm droppings exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects on HT-29 human colon cancer cells in vitro [PMID:17887940]

Safety & adverse effects

Toxicity was evaluated using human fibroblast cells and the hatching rate of zebrafish embryos [PMID:29356892]. Additionally, silkworm feces can enrich high-risk antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and pathogens depending on the environmental source of the mulberry leaves [PMID:36871940].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell lines and animal models (mice, zebrafish), indicating potential anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, and neuroprotective properties. There are no human clinical trials provided in the source data.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 28503925 (2017) — Proteomics Provides Insight into the Interaction between Mulberry and Silkworm. · Journal of proteome research
2.PMID: 29356892 (2018) — Skin depigmenting action of silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) droppings in zebrafish. · Archives of dermatological research
3.PMID: 34306157 (2021) — Differential Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology Analysis of Silkworm Biotransformation between Mulberry Leaves and Silkworm Droppings. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
4.PMID: 29389582 (2018) — Tea silkworm droppings as an enriched source of tea flavonoids. · Journal of food and drug analysis
5.PMID: 36871940 (2023) — Diffusion and enrichment of high-risk antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) via the transmission chain (mulberry leave, guts and feces of silkworm, and soil) in an ecological restoration area of manganese mining, China: Role of heavy metals.

Can Sha

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Can Sha

Gaulteria Wintergreen

Kunzea Ambigua

Tripterygium wilfordii

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Can Sha

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Can Sha

Related Herbs

Gaulteria Wintergreen

Kunzea Ambigua

Tripterygium wilfordii

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources