Influence of feed on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Zophobas morio

Abstract

• Antioxidant substances are transferred to edible insects through the feed. • Soy based feed is not suitable for feeding superworms. • The highest COX activity were observed in superworm fed soy. • The highest yield of edible insects can be achieved by suitable breeding. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of superworm as one of the potential species for the food industry were investigated. This type of insect was bred on three different types of feed and, at the end of the breeding experiment, the total polyphenols (TPC), antiradical activity, degree of hydrolysis, and anti-inflammatory effects of the peptides were determined. The highest value of polyphenols content was demonstrated in whole enzymatically hydrolysed insects (W), especially in the group fed on soy feed (Wso = 4.2014 ± 0.27). This group also achieved the highest antiradical activity, as measured by ABTS and DPPH, and the highest anti-inflammatory effect, as measured by COX inhibition. Insects fed on soy feed are unsuitable for food despite their high polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, as high mortality occurs. The largest length in a worm breeding experiment was identified in the group fed the control diet (co = 4.93 ± 0.27) and the heaviest weight in the group on the maize diet (ma = 0.77 ± 0.11).