Pupal Extract Research Articles

Drone pupae extract enhances Hanwoo myosatellite cell function for cultivated meat production

Drone pupae extract enhances Hanwoo myosatellite cell function for cultivated meat production

Potential therapeutic agents of Bombyx mori silk cocoon extracts from agricultural product for inhibition of skin pathogenic bacteria and free radicals.

Pathogenic bacteria are the cause of most skin diseases, but issues such as resistance and environmental degradation drive the need to research alternative treatments. It is reported that silk cocoon extract possesses antioxidant properties. During silk processing, the degumming of silk cocoons creates a byproduct that contains natural active substances. These substances were found to have inhibitory effects on bacterial growth, DNA synthesis, the pathogenesis of hemolysis, and biofilm formation. Thus, silk cocoon extracts can be used in therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of skin pathogenic bacterial infections. The extract of silk cocoons with pupae (SCP) and silk cocoons without pupae (SCWP) were obtained by boiling with distilled water for 9 h and 12 h, and were compared to silkworm pupae (SP) extract that was boiled for 1 h. The active compounds in the extracts, including gallic acid and quercetin, were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid content in the extracts were investigated using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and the aluminum chloride colorimetric method, respectively. To assess antioxidant activity, the extracts were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Additionally, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of silk extracts and phytochemical compounds were determined against skin pathogenic bacteria. This study assessed the effects of the extracts and phytochemical compounds on growth inhibition, biofilm formation, hemolysis protection, and DNA synthesis of bacteria. The HPLC characterization of the silk extracts showed gallic acid levels to be the highest, especially in SCP (8.638-31.605 mg/g extract) and SP (64.530 mg/g extract); whereas quercetin compound was only detected in SCWP (0.021-0.031 mg/g extract). The total phenolics and flavonoids in silk extracts exhibited antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Additionally, SCP at 9 h and 12 h revealed the highest anti-bacterial activity, with the lowest MIC and MBC of 50-100 mg/mL against skin pathogenic bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Cutibacterium acnes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hence, SCP extract and non-sericin compounds containing gallic acid and quercetin exhibited the strongest inhibition of both growth and DNA synthesis on skin pathogenic bacteria. The suppression of bacterial pathogenesis, including preformed and matured biofilms, and hemolysis activity, were also revealed in SCP extract and non-sericin compounds. The results show that the byproduct of silk processing can serve as an alternative source of natural phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants that can be used in therapeutic applications for the prevention and treatment of pathogenic bacterial skin infections.

Evaluation of proximate compositions and profiling of nutritional aspects in pupae of tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta (Drury) as potential for food and feed resources

Aim: To investigate the proximate compositions, amino acids profile, phenols, flavonoids, fatty acids and minerals in Tasar silkworm pupae and assessment of biological potential of pupae extracts. Methodology: Biochemical composition such as proteins, fat, carbohydrate, chitin, ash, moisture and minerals were analyzed in Tasar silkworm pupae. The amino acid, vitamins, phenolics and flavonoid, fatty acids and free radical scavenging assay were evaluated. Results: The pupae powder contained 11.23% moisture, 60.67% crude protein, 23.83% fat, 3.29% carbohydrate, 5.1% ash and 3.87% chitin on a dry matter basis. Further, the pupae protein contained 19 amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids. Similarly, the pupae powder contained both water and fat soluble vitamins with higher content of tocopherol (13.23 µg 100 gm-1), phenolics compounds majorly ferulic acid (1317.5 µg gm-1) and p-coumaric acid (730.96 µg gm-1), flavonoids catechin (40.771 µg gm-1) and myricetin (12.466 µg gm-1) at higher levels and fatty acid with higher palmitic acid content (6.565 mg g-1). Mineral analysis indicated higher magnesium (208 mg 100 gm-1), calcium (47.79 mg 100gm-1) and iron (37.72 mg 100 gm-1) contents. Further, pupae extract exhibited free radical scavenging potential in a concentration-dependent manner. Interpretation: The results of the study indicate tasar pupae as a renewable and sustainable source for preparation of animal feeds. Key words: Antheraea mylitta, Antioxidants, Tasar pupae

Evaluation and Comparison of the Effects of Mature Silkworm (Bombyx mori) and Silkworm Pupae Extracts on Schwann Cell Proliferation and Axon Growth: An In Vitro Study.

Silkworm products were first used by physicians more than 8500 years ago, in the early Neolithic period. In Persian medicine, silkworm extract has several uses for treating and preventing neurological, cardiac, and liver diseases. Mature silkworms (Bombyx mori) and their pupae contain a variety of growth factors and proteins that can be used in many repair processes, including nerve regeneration. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of mature silkworm (Bombyx mori), and silkworm pupae extract on Schwann cell proliferation and axon growth. Silkworm (Bombyx mori) and silkworm pupae extracts were prepared. Then, the concentration and type of amino acids and proteins in the extracts were evaluated by Bradford assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS). Also, the regenerative potential of extracts for improving Schwann cell proliferation and axon growth was examined by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, electron microscopy, and NeuroFilament-200 (NF-200) immunostaining. According to the results of the Bradford test, the total protein content of pupae extract was almost twice that of mature worm extract. Also, SDS-PAGE analysis revealed numerous proteins and growth factors, such as bombyrin and laminin, in extracts that are involved in the repair of the nervous system. In accordance with Bradford's results, the evaluation of extracts using LC-MS/MS revealed that the number of amino acids in pupae extract was higher than in mature silkworm extract. It was found that the proliferation of Schwann cells at a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL in both extracts was higher than the concentrations of 0.01 and 0.05 mg/mL. When using both extracts on dorsal root ganglion (DRGs), an increase in length and number was observed in axons. The findings of this study demonstrated that extracts obtained from silkworms, especially pupae, can play an effective role in Schwann cell proliferation and axonal growth, which can be strong evidence for nerve regeneration, and, consequently, repairing peripheral nerve damage.

Antibacterial activity body extracts of developmental stages the blowfly, Calliphora vomitoria (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

The antibacterial effectiveness of the bluebottle fly, Calliphora vomitoria developmental body extracts filtrated by sequent polar solvents were examined. These investigations appeared the presence of bacterial inhibitors within larval, pupal and imaginal body extracts active against both Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Klepsiella pneumoniae) bacteria. These extracts were shown high stability in laboratory condition and, exhibiting high activity against clinical infectious bacteria. Immature extracts with especially pupal extract can be a source of antibiotic like compounds which may be used for pathogenic microbial control for the fight antibiotic resistance.

Protein Hydrolysate of Silkworm Pupa Prevents Memory Impairment Induced by Oxidative Stress in Scopolamine-Induced Mice via Modulating the Cholinergic Nervous System and Antioxidant Defense System.

Silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) is an edible insect that has been reported to contain high-quality proteins, lipids, minerals, and vitamins, and to possess high antioxidant activity. However, there have been no studies on the neuroprotective effects of silkworm pupae. Therefore, we investigated a water extract of silkworm pupae with protease (WSP) as a functional and therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders. First, we evaluated the effect of WSP on oxidative stress-induced mouse hippocampal neuronal cells (HT-22 cells). Cell viability diminished by addition of glutamate but was significantly recovered by WSP treatment. Furthermore, WSP significantly decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in oxidative stress-induced cells. In addition, in scopolamine-treated mice, WSP attenuated memory impairment, as demonstrated in the Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests, indicating protection of neuronal cells against oxidative damage. Moreover, WSP prevented scopolamine-induced increases in acetylcholinesterase activity and decreases in choline-acetyltransferase activity. Finally, treatment with WSP enhanced the antioxidant defense system by regulating the activities of antioxidant enzymes. Overall, this study showed that WSP exerted antioxidant and memory enhancing action against oxidative stress.

Detection of Antibacterial Properties of Musca domestica, Drosophila melanogaster, and Sarcophaga nodosa Using Resazurin as A Growth Indicator in Bacterial Cells

BackgroundDue to the side effects of chemical and synthetic antibiotics and the increase in bacterial resistance, extensive research has been conducted to obtain natural compounds without side effects from natural sources such as insects, especially Diptera order, because these insects require to live and survive on rotting food and be in direct contact with pathogenic and dangerous microorganisms because of their special diet.Materials & MethodsIn this study, hemolymphs were extracted from Musca domestica, Drosophila melanogaster, and Sarcophaga nodosa, and then the anti-bactericidal activity of these extracts against important pathogenic bacteria was investigated separately by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method using resazurin indicator.FindingsS. nodosa and M. domestica larvae were not able to prevent the growth of any of the bacteria. D. melanogaster larvae extract completely inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria at all densities, while Staphylococcus aureus was completely resistant to all concentrations. The minimum inhibitory concentration of D. melanogaster larvae extract against two bacteria of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella typhimurium was determined as 125 and 500 μL/mL, respectively.D. melanogaster pupae extract was unable to inhibit the growth of E. coli and S. typhimurium but prevented the growth of P. aeruginosa at all concentrations. Also, the minimum inhibitory concentration of this extract against both S. aureus and L. monocytogenes was determined as 1000 μL/mL.ConclusionThese outcomes show that D. melanogaster holds a high potential of antibacterial effects, and the purification and evaluation of this extract active substances are recommended for future utilization as antibacterial agents and food preservatives to fight pathogenic and toxigenic microorganisms.

Evaluation of proximate composition and antioxidant properties in silk-industrial byproduct

The reeling waste silkworm pupae of Bombyx mori, Antheraea mylitta and Antheraea assamensis generated as silk industrial byproduct in India were evaluated for their proximate composition and antioxidant properties. Protein content was found highest in B. mori (55.87%), followed by A. assamensis (52.65%) and A. mylitta (50.82%) while fat content ranged from 23.45 to 28.66%. On an average, silk industrial byproduct exhibited as much as 466 kcal/100 g of energy. Methanolic pupae extract screened separately for antioxidant capacity revealed relatively stronger scavenging activity on DPPH assay in the order of B. mori (IC50 of 28.40 μg/mL) > A. assamensis (IC50 of 29.31 μg/mL) > A. mylitta (IC50 of 40.74 μg/mL). A positive correlation was found among different antioxidant assays. DPPH was significantly correlated with ABTS radical scavenging activity (R2 = 0.93, p > 0.05) and reducing power assay (R2 = 0.99, p > 0.05). Maximum phenolic (12.16 mg catechin/g) and flavonoid (6.57 mg quercetin/g) content was found in MPE of B. mori followed by A. assamensis. Total phenolic content was positively correlated (R2 = 0.99) with DPPH and reducing power assay. The study elucidates that reeling waste pupae could effectively be utilized as natural antioxidant in the development of protein rich food products rendering it profitable for use in animal feed sectors.

A IMPACT OF HYGROPHILA AURICULATA-GREEN MOSQUITOCIDAL ACTIVITY AGAINST MALARIA VECTOR, ANOPHELES STEPHENSI (DIPTERA: CULICIDAE)

Objective: Mosquitoes are insect vectors responsible for the transmission of parasitic and viral infections to millions of people worldwide, with substantial morbidity and mortality. Insecticides of botanical origin may serve as suitable alternative bio-control techniques in the future.
 Methods: The egg hatchability, growth regulatory, longevity, fecundity, and larvicidal activity of crude methanol leaf extract of Hygrophila auriculata were assayed for their toxicity tested against malarial vector mosquito, Anopheles stephensi.
 Results: The eggs, larvae, larvae/pupae, and cumulative mortality were observed hatching rates for 100 ppm, 0–18 h (18 h exposed) at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively, and mortality was 33.4, 44.6, 17.9, and 95.9% methanolic extract treatment, with the lethal concentration 50 (LC50)/LC90 values were 35.420 28/75.600 ppm. Effect of methanolic extract was larval, pupal, and adult duration and water extracts of caused longest delayed development from 16.6 days larvae, 7.5 days for pupae and longevity of adult female greatly reduced from 25.9 days and fecundity also reduced from 68.0 at 150 ppm. The larvicidal activity of methanol extract was decreased at 48 h as for instars larvae 63.44/271.95 ppm (I), 57.55/272.48 ppm (II); 62.49/301.22 ppm (III); 67.69/330.48 ppm (IV), and 76.99/343.82 ppm (pupae), respectively.
 Conclusion: These results suggest that the methanol leaf extract has the potential to be used as an ideal eco-friendly approach for the control of mosquito vector. Therefore, this study provides on the mosquito eggs, larvae, and pupae activities of these plant methanol extract against A. stephensi.

PHYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY REDUCTION ASSESSMENT OF COPPER IONS THROUGH THE ONION APICAL MERISTEM

This paper investigates the protective properties of the aqueous extract of silkworm pupae (CABG) in terms of the toxic effect of copper ions on morphometrically parameters in Allium-test. Methods: It is established that the joint use of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae and copper sulphate at a concentration of 100 µm growth inhibition of roots is not happening and even stimulated by the application of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae at a concentration of 1 ml/10 ml. Stimulation of root growth is also observed with the combined use of 1000 µm copper sulfate and aqueous extract of silkworm pupae in a concentration of 10 ml/100 ml of the solution with respect to the use of copper sulfate only. A significant decrease in the parameter ‘length of sprouts' in 1.3-6.0 times with respect to the control was observed when using copper ions in concentrations of 100-1000 microns, while at a metal concentration of 10 microns no negative effect on the development of sprouts was established. The emergence of lateral roots in 20-50% of cases observed only in the use of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae. Thus, in the study of morphometric parameters of seedlings of onion (the relative growth of roots, length of shoots, their weight) set the modifier of the protective effect of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae when used together with copper sulfate in concentrations of 10 and 100 µm. At a concentration of 10 ml of aqueous extract of silkworm pupae/100 ml solution protective function in relation to ions of copper are more severe.

Decanal as a major component of larval aggregation pheromone of the greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella

AbstractLarvae of the greater wax moth (GWM), Galleria mellonella, a destructive pest of the honeybee (Apis mellifera), have been observed to display aggregation behaviours. However, the underlying mechanism by which these larvae come together remains unknown. We hypothesized that the GWM larvae detect, orient towards and utilize conspecific larval chemical cues to aggregate in groups. We used dual‐choice olfactometer assays to investigate the involvement of conspecific larval odours in their aggregation amongst 3–5th instar and 8th instar larvae. The assays revealed that only 8th instar larvae were significantly attracted to their odours and those emanating from newly spun cocoons. Coupled gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) of larval head space odours analysis revealed the presence of four compounds: nonanal, decanal, tridecane and tetradecane in pupal and mature larval odour extracts. However, using synthetic compounds, behavioural assays showed that only decanal induced significant attraction, therefore, suggesting its role as a major component of the larval aggregation pheromone of GWM. Our findings reveal the involvement of volatile organic compounds in the aggregation behaviour of mature wax moth larvae and thereby offer prospects for the development of an odour‐baited in‐hive trapping management tool for wax moth larva.

Anti-thrombosis Activity of Drone Apis mellifera Pupae Extracts

Drones of honeybee (Apis mellifera) have been regarded as a useful value only when mating with queen bee. However, the drone pupae have been reported to be nutritionally valuable, and a potential beekeeping product. In this study, drone pupae extracted with 5% acetic acid were used to measure anti-thrombosis related fibrinolytic activity using Strup and Mullertz fibrin plate method. As a result, the drone pupae extract showed higher effect of fibrinolytic activity(clear zone diameter 20.83mm) compared to the human plasmin (clear zone diameter 12.93mm) used as a positive control. It was suggested that the extract of drone pupae can be developed as a functional material helping prevention or treatment of various vascular diseases.

2-S-cysteinylhydroquinone is an intermediate for the firefly luciferin biosynthesis that occurs in the pupal stage of the Japanese firefly, Luciola lateralis

Firefly luciferin is a natural product that is well-known to function as the substrate of the bioluminescence reaction in luminous beetles. However, the details of the biosynthetic system are still unclear. In this study, we showed by LC-MS/MS analysis that stable isotope-labeled 2-S-cysteinylhydroquinone was incorporated into firefly luciferin in living firefly specimens. Comparison of the incorporation efficiency among the developmental stages suggested that firefly luciferin is biosynthesized predominantly in the pupal stage. We also accomplished the in vitro biosynthesis of firefly luciferin using 2-S-cysteinylhydroquinone and the crude buffer extract of firefly pupae, suggesting the presence of a biosynthetic enzyme in the pupal extract.

Autistic-Like Behaviors, Oxidative Stress Status, and Histopathological Changes in Cerebellum of Valproic Acid Rat Model of Autism Are Improved by the Combined Extract of Purple Rice and Silkworm Pupae.

Due to the crucial role of oxidative stress on the pathophysiology of autism and the concept of synergistic effect, the benefit of the combined extract of purple rice and silkworm pupae (AP1) for autism disorder was the focus. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of AP1 on autistic-like behaviors, oxidative stress status, and histopathological change of cerebellum in valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. VPA was injected on postnatal day (PND) 14 and the animals were orally given AP1 at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg·kg−1 BW between PND 14 and PND 40. The autism-like behaviors were analyzed via hot-plate, rotarod, elevated plus-maze, learning, memory, and social behavior tests. Oxidative stress and the histological change in the cerebellum were assessed at the end of study. AP1 treated rats improved behaviors in all tests except that in hot-plate test. The improvement of oxidative stress and Purkinje cell loss was also observed in the cerebellum of VPA-treated rats. Our data suggest that AP1 partially reduced autism-like behaviors by improving oxidative stress and Purkinje cell loss. Further research is required to identify the active ingredients in AP1 and gender difference effect.

Evaluation of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analog, on Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae): Insecticidal activity, ecdysteroid contents and cuticle formation

The efficacy of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone analog (JHA), was evaluated using third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster Meigen, 1830 (Diptera: Drosophilidae). Various doses of the compound, ranging from 0.01 to 2 ng/larva, were applied topically to larvae (12 h before pupariation). Treatment did not prevent pupariation but inhibited adult emergence at all the doses tested. In a second series of experiments the ecdysteroid content of pupae was determined following application of pyriproxyfen at two doses, 0.108 and 0.29 ng/larva, corresponding to ID25 and ID50, the doses required for 25 and 50% inhibition of adult emergence, respectively. Pyriproxyfen treatment increased the duration of pupal development. In addition, enzyme immunoassay measurements of ecdysteroids in whole body extracts of pupae indicated that pyriproxyfen decreased the ecdysteroid content in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, the effects on the cuticle of pyriproxyfen (ID50) were studied histologically, which revealed that this compound increased the thickness of the new adult cuticle and suppressed the formation of bristles. Biochemical analyzes revealed that an increase in chitin content of the cuticle is only recorded at the highest dose. Thus, a topical application of pyriproxyfen to third instar larvae interfered with the molting hormone and disrupted the normal development of this insect.

Blood Profile of Quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Fed Ration Containing Silkworm Pupae (Bombyx mori) Powder Extract

The aim of this research was to assess the use of silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) powder extract on the blood cells and hematological variables of quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The treatments consisted of R0= isoenergy and isoprotein ration without pupae powder extract, R1= isoenergy and isoprotein ration + 1% of pupae powder extract, R2= isoenergy and isoprotein ration + 10% of pupae powder extract, R3= isoenergy and isoprotein ration + 1% of residue of pupae powder extract, R4= isoenergy and isoprotein ration + 10% of residue of pupae powder extract, R5= isoenergy and isoprotein ration + 1% of pupae powder, and R6= isoenergy and isoprotein ration + 10% of pupae powder. The variables measured were blood cell and hematological profiles including the number of leukocytes, erythrocytes, and leukocytes differentiation. Immune response was observed at 12, 24, and 48 h by counting the white blood cells type. The results showed that feed consumption ranged 79.19-154.70 g/quail/wk and the body weight was 71.45-149 g/quail. The addition of pupae extract at a dose of 10% in the diet significantly (P<0.05) increased the number of quail white blood cells. The addition of pupae extract, pupae powder residue, and pupae powder in the ration did not significantly affect the number of quail erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and PCV (packed cell volume). Mean number of white blood cells increased during 24 h after treatment of 10% pupae powder extract (R2) and decreased at the 48th h. It is concluded that the value of leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, and heterophile increased in quails supplemented with 10% pupae powder extract (R2).

Differential metabolic responses of Beauveria bassiana cultured in pupae extracts, root exudates and its interactions with insect and plant

Beauveria bassiana is a kind of world-wide entomopathogenic fungus and can also colonize plant rhizosphere. Previous researches showed differential expression of genes when entomopathogenic fungi are cultured in insect or plant materials. However, so far there is no report on metabolic alterations of B. bassiana in the environments of insect or plant. The purpose of this paper is to address this problem. Herein, we first provide the metabolomic analysis of B. bassiana cultured in insect pupae extracts (derived from Euproctis pseudoconspersa and Bombyx mori, EPP and BMP), plant root exudates (derived from asparagus and carrot, ARE and CRE), distilled water and minimal media (MM), respectively. Principal components analysis (PCA) shows that mycelia cultured in pupae extracts and root exudates are evidently separated and individually separated from MM, which indicates that fungus accommodates to insect and plant environments by different metabolic regulation mechanisms. Subsequently, orthogonal projection on latent structure–discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) identifies differential metabolites in fungus under three environments relative to MM. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) is performed to cluster compounds based on biochemical relationships, showing that sphingolipids are increased in BMP but are decreased in EPP. This observation further implies that sphingolipid metabolism may be involved in the adaptation of fungus to different hosts. In the meantime, sphingolipids are significantly decreased in root exudates but they are not decreased in distilled water, suggesting that some components of the root exudates can suppress sphingolipid to down-regulate sphingolipid metabolism. Pathway analysis finds that fatty acid metabolism is maintained at high level but non-ribosomal peptides (NRP) synthesis is unaffected in mycelia cultured in pupae extracts. In contrast, fatty acid metabolism is not changed but NRP synthesis is high in mycelia cultured in root exudates and distilled water. This indicates that fungal fatty acid metabolism is enhanced when contacting insect, but when in the absence of insect hosts NRP synthesis is increased. Ornithine, arginine and GABA are decreased in mycelia cultured in pupae extracts and root exudates but remain unchanged in distilled water, which suggests that they may be associated with fungal cross-talk with insects and plants. Trehalose and mannitol are decreased while adenine is increased in three conditions, signifying carbon shortage in cells. Together, these results unveil that B. bassiana has differential metabolic responses in pupae extracts and root exudates, and metabolic similarity in root exudates and distilled water is possibly due to the lack of insect components.

Antioxidant and antigenotoxic effects of pupae of the muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis

Abstract This study investigated the antioxidant, antityrosinase and antigenotoxic ability of pupae of the muga silkworm Antheraea assamensis . DPPH radical scavenging activity of methanolic pupae extract (MPE) with IC 50 value of 25.83 µg/mL was highly correlated with MPE of in vitro lipid peroxidation activity ( r =0.985, p >0.05) and antityrosinase activity ( r =0.894, p p 2 O 2 induced DNA damage by Comet assay. The mineral contents of pupae were Al (9.67 mg/g), Ca (0.809 mg/g), K (0.59 mg/g), Mg (0.55 mg/g), and Zn (0.54 mg/g). Therefore, pupae could be used as natural antioxidants on food products.

Possible Alteration of Female Specific Protein by Estradiol-17β in Silkworm, Bombyx mori L

In our attempt to understand the biological significance of natural occurrence of estradiol-17β (E2, a vertebrate female sex steroid) in silkworms effect of exogenous estradiol-17β injection on the appearance of female-specific proteins both in pupal hemolymph and ovarian extracts was undertaken. A single injection of 2 μg of E2 per g of body weight on the 3rd day in the 5th instar female silkworm (Bombyxmori L. race Nistari) larvae revealed more accumulation of both 170- and 43 kDa proteins from the day 3 to 7 of pupal life with a peak on the day 7 in comparison to the untreated (control) hemolymph. On the contrary, the ovarian extracts revealed highest accumulation of both the proteins in female silkworm pupae on the day 4 and thereafter, declined gradually to level up with the control on the day 8. The fertilized egg extracts irrespective of control and E2-treated silkworms failed to establish quantitative differences of the proteins in question. Thus the metabolic role of E2 on the female-specific proteins in silkworm could not be ruled out.

Enhanced activities of reproductive system in male rat treated with male silkworm pupae extract

AbstractA male silkworm pupae extract with herbal mixtures such as Rubus coreanus Miquel, Chinese matrimony vine Acanthopanax senticosus and tocopherol can be effectively used to recover or boost stamina. In this study, the effect of the male silkworm pupae extract on the reproductive system of Sprague–Dawley male rats was investigated. No clinical symptoms, and no dying or dead animals were found among experimental male silkworm larvae extract, male silkworm pupae extract and control rat groups during the study. No significant differences were found in body weights, feed or water consumption, or macroscopic examination among the three groups. No lesion was found upon necropsy. However, sperm in the group treated with male silkworm pupae extract were significantly more active than sperm in the control group. Sperm counts in both male groups treated with male silkworm larvae extract and male silkworm pupae extract were significantly higher than sperm counts in the control group. Analysis of phospholipid–hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) gene expression showed that the male silkworm pupae extract increased expression in testes by 26.7%. This study shows that the male silkworm pupae extract has potential to be used to enhance the function of the human reproductive system.