Comparison of amino acid profiles and vitamin contents of male and female prepupae and pupae of eri silkworm, Samia ricini

Abstract

The amino acid profiles and vitamin contents of male and female prepupae and pupae of the eri silkworm, Samia ricini were investigated. Investigations showed that eri silkworm pupal protein contained 17 amino acids including almost all the essential amino acids. Essential amino acids content of male and female prepupae and pupae ranged from 36.63 % to 37.84 %. No significant difference was noticed between the developmental stages and sexes. Eri pupal protein when compared to the WHO recommended pattern for human nutrition demonstrated superior quality due to its high level of essential amino acids content. Analysis of vitamin contents revealed that eri silkworm prepupae and pupae are quite rich in vitamins E (36.88–39.08 mg/100 g), B 2 (3.55–3.84 mg/100 g), B 1 (1.32–1.47 mg/100 g) and A (0.58–0.67 mg/100 g) content. The study highlights nutritional importance of eri silkworm pupae in the development of protein-rich food supplements for human nutrition. • Eri silkworm pupal protein showed 17 amino acids with all essential amino acids. • Essential amino acid content was high (47 %) in pupal protein than WHO recommendation. • Lysine was most abundant among male and female prepupae and pupae of eri silkworm. • Pupal protein quality was high than recommended pattern of requirement in human diet. • Vitamin analysis showed high vitamins A, B 1 , B 2 and E content in the eri silkworm.