Insect Extracts Research Articles

Evaluation of Dactylopius opuntiae Extract for Xanthine Oxidase Inhibition and Serum Uric Acid Reduction in a Hyperuricemic Mouse Model

Background/Objectives: Current urate-lowering therapies may cause serious side effects in patients. Thus, alternative treatments are needed to regulate uric acid (UA) levels in patients with hyperuricemia associated with kidney injury, and natural antioxidant sources have demonstrated utility in this field. For the first time, our study evaluated the effects of an extract of Dactylopius opuntiae insects on the levels of xanthine oxidase (XO) enzymes and synthetic free radicals in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Insects were bred and collected, and two different extracts (D1 and D2) were obtained. For both extracts, XO inhibition and radical scavenging assays were performed. Subsequently, serum purine levels and renal markers were quantified in male BALB/c mice who received a hyperuricemia induction using potassium oxonate, hypoxanthine, and gentamicin. Results: The D2 extract contained 18,037.7 µg/mL of carminic acid, inhibited 53.2% of XO activity at one concentration, and showed IC50 values of 18,207.8 and 5729.6 µg/mL against ABTS and DPPH radicals, respectively. D2 administration reduced serum UA and creatinine levels and prevented an increase in kidney weight and reduction in renal antioxidant capacity caused by hyperuricemia induction and allopurinol use in mice. Despite the satisfactory antioxidant results obtained in vitro, the D1 extract killed the animal models due to its citric acid content. Conclusions: The D2 insect extract can be used as an effective urate-lowering therapy when the increased level of serum uric acid is due to kidney damage.

Dyeing of banana-silk union fabrics with cochineal using different concentrations of bio-mordant

Banana (Musa × paradisiaca L.) is a lignocellulosic natural fiber that can be processed to produce eco-friendly and biodegradable hybrid fabrics when combined with other fibers. Natural-dyed banana fiber can be utilized in the production of sustainable materials for wearable products, household linens, technical textiles, and apparel. In this study, banana-silk union fabrics, pre-treated with bio-mordant at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%, were dyed separately using cochineal insect extract (Dactylopius coccus Costa). To assess the dyeability of the banana-silk union fabric, Anatolian black pine cones (Pinus nigra subsp. pallassiana) were utilized as a bio-mordant, with varying quantities. The CIELab values of the dyeings were measured and compared. Additionally, the chemical composition of the cochineal extract, pinecone mordant, raw fabric, and selected dyed fabrics was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The washing, light, and rubbing fastness properties of the dyed banana-silk union fabrics were also evaluated and compared. This study developed a method for weaving union fabric by blending two distinct natural yarns, namely banana and silk, to reduce dependence on a single fiber and promote the utilization of agricultural waste.

Theoretical and experimental studies on the electrochemical behavior of steel in HCl solution in the presence of two bio-inhibitor mixtures

In this new study, the inhibitory effectiveness of two bio-inhibitor mixtures has been studied on the corrosion characteristics of carbon steel in an HCl environment. The inhibitors were derived from a plant seed (quinoa seed-QS) and an insect extract (Oestrus ovis larvae-OOL). The total inhibitor concentration was a variable factor even the ratio of bio-inhibitor concentration was a fixed parameter. The electrochemical behavior of steel substrate was investigated through the Tafel polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy were performed to identify bonds and analyze the morphology of the corroded surface of the steel. Additionally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and quantum calculations were applied to investigate the inhibitory influence of utilized bio-inhibitors. The experimental results indicated that the corrosion resistance decreased to 85 % when the optimum total concentration of the bio-inhibitor was 1 g L−1. The Langmuir model was used to illustrate the adsorption mechanism on the steel surface when physical adsorption occurred. Quantum chemical calculations revealed that the QS-inhibitor adsorbed more effectively onto the metal surface than the OOLE-inhibitor, due in part to a lower energy gap and higher HOMO energy. MD simulation and Monte Carlo calculations further confirmed that the QS-inhibitor was adsorbed on the Fe (110) surface with higher adsorption energy than the OOLE-inhibitor.

Antimicrobial Potential of Aqueous and Ethanol Extract of Termite and Bee Natural Products on Escherichia coli for Possible Medicinal Purpose

Background: arthropods have been utilized for their socio-economic value as food and medicine for decades in most part of the world. Many traditional healers use insects in their traditional medicine healing system. The idea of utilizing substances collected from insects as medicinal resources, might have originated from the chemical compounds (such as pheromones, venoms, and toxins) sequestered from plants that have shown medicinal value. The study was targeted at investigating the antimicrobial potential of termite and bee natural products on Escherichia coli for possible medicinal purpose. The insects were collected from farmlands (using different insect traps) within Agulu and Nanka communities, Anambra State, Nigeria. The sample was identified and authenticated at the Zoology Department. The insect were killed using killing jar technique, air dried, pulverized and macerated for further investigation. The zoochemical properties and antimicrobial activity of the extract was investigated. Results: It was observed that the constituents, carbohydrate and saponins were present in all the extracts. Tannins, Flavonoids and Terpenoids were present in the ethanol extracts of both insects. The other zoochemicals investigated: Anthraquinones. Alkaloids, Cardiac glycoside, and steroids were not observed in all of the extracts. The water extract of both bee and termite exhibited less activity against E. coli. The ethanol extract of both insects showed E. coli growth inhibition. Based on the distinct zones of inhibition observed. The ethanol extract of termite showed higher inhibition activity (8.33 ± 0.60 mm zone of inhibition), this was followed by the ethanol extract of bee (7.08 ± 1.18 mm zone of inhibition). The aqueous (water) extract of termite (1.33 ± 0.67 mm zone of inhibition) showed higher activity than that of the bee extract (1.00 ± 0.58 mm zone of inhibition). Conclusion: The result of the study showed that ethanol extract of termite and bee contain bioactive constituents with antibacterial effect and lends credence to the entomo-ethno medicinal use of insect in the treatment of bacterial infections.

Protective effects of Tenebrio molitor and Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis extracts on aging: Regulation of blood–brain barrier, amyloid β plaques, and intestinal inflammation in D-galactose-induced aging mice

Insects are considered as a potentially eco-friendly, highly nutritious, and protein-rich food source. We evaluated the effects of Tenebrio molitor (Tm) and Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Pbs) extracts in a mouse model of D-galactose (D-Gal) aging, focusing on the impact of the insect extracts on neuronal viability, blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and gut health. D-gal administration led to cognitive and behavioral deficits and increased anxiety levels. Tm and Pbs extracts increased glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels; protected neurons in the brain, preventing BBB disruption and brain edema; and prevented the deposition of amyloid-β plaques in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, both extracts prevented disruption of gut epithelial integrity and mitigated intestinal inflammation. Our findings suggest a novel therapeutic potential of insect extracts against aging-related changes; they can be used as functional foods in the aging process by controlling the BBB and intestinal health.

Development of a Fully Protective Pandemic Avian Influenza Subunit Vaccine in Insect Pupae.

In this study, we pioneered an alternative technology for manufacturing subunit influenza hemagglutinin (HA)-based vaccines. This innovative method involves harnessing the pupae of the Lepidoptera Trichoplusia ni (T. ni) as natural biofactories in combination with baculovirus vectors (using CrisBio® technology). We engineered recombinant baculoviruses encoding two versions of the HA protein (trimeric or monomeric) derived from a pandemic avian H7N1 virus A strain (A/chicken/Italy/5093/99). These were then used to infect T. ni pupae, resulting in the production of the desired recombinant antigens. The obtained HA proteins were purified using affinity chromatography, consistently yielding approximately 75 mg/L of insect extract. The vaccine antigen effectively immunized poultry, which were subsequently challenged with a virulent H7N1 avian influenza virus. Following infection, all vaccinated animals survived without displaying any clinical symptoms, while none of the mock-vaccinated control animals survived. The CrisBio®-derived antigens induced high titers of HA-specific antibodies in the vaccinated poultry, demonstrating hemagglutination inhibition activity against avian H7N1 and human H7N9 viruses. These results suggest that the CrisBio® technology platform has the potential to address major industry challenges associated with producing recombinant influenza subunit vaccines, such as enhancing production yields, scalability, and the speed of development, facilitating the global deployment of highly effective influenza vaccines.

DNA Isolation From Six Spotted Ladybird Beetle <i>Cheilomenes Sexmaculata</i> (F)

DNA extraction is a routine step in many insect molecular studies and extraction methods need to be evaluated for their efficiency, cost, and side effects, such as DNA degradation. Individuals of six spotted ladybird beetle, Cheilomenes sexmaculata (F.) were subjected to DNA extraction by the CTAB method and PureLink® Kit. The methods were compared in terms of DNA quantity and quality, cost of materials, and time consumed. The CTAB method resulted in higher DNA yield (ng DNA) at a much lower price and less degradation, as revealed on agarose gels. The PureLink® Kit was the most time-efficient but costliest, and degradation was observed on agarose gels. The DNA samples obtained were tested on agarose gel PCR for six SSRs located in various positions of the beetle’s genome. The results revealed that DNA isolated from the CTAB method showed successful amplifications, but the PureLink® Kit method did not show any amplification. These evaluations guide the choice of DNA extraction methods from C. sexmaculata beetles.

English

Background | With the global population on the rise, edible insects are considered a potential solution to food security, although concerns about risks such as anaphylaxis exist. Methods | 2,014 participants underwent testing with the Allergy Explorer-ALEX-2 including extracts of three novel foods: Acheta Domesticus (Ad), Locusta migratoria (Lm), and Tenebrio molitor (Tm). The IgE-mediated sensitization status was investigated in participants who had never knowingly consumed these insects. Data was recorded using an electronic database. Results | 195 individuals (9.7% of all participants) were sensitized to insects. Tropomyosin was co-recognized by 34%, and 18.5% were positive for arginine kinases. Reactivity to Sarcoplasmic-CB, Troponin-C, Paramyosin, or Myosin-light-chain was found in less than 5% of the population, whereas 108 individuals (55.4%) did not show any reactivity to invertebrate panallergens. Additionally, 33 individuals (16.9%) exhibited monosensitization exclusively to insects. Multivariate analysis revealed an inverse association between arachnid reactivity and sensitization to insect allergens, while Mollusca, Blattoidea, and tropomyosin reactivity displayed a direct relationship. Furthermore, Myosin-light-chain reactivity correlated with Ad and Lm, and Troponin-C with Ad and Tm sensitization. Conclusion | Edible insect extract IgE sensitization was observed in individuals without prior exposure to such foods. Mites showed a low likelihood of being primary sensitizers due to their inverse association with insect reactivity. Conversely, the direct association of insect sensitization with mollusk and cockroach extract reactivity suggests their potential as primary sensitizers in these participants. Tropomyosin consistently exhibited a positive association with reactivity to all studied insects, supporting its role as a primary sensitizer.

Revisiting edible insects as sources of therapeutics and drug delivery systems for cancer therapy.

Cancer has been medicine's most formidable foe for long, and the rising incidence of the disease globally has made effective cancer therapy a significant challenge. Drug discovery is targeted at identifying efficacious compounds with minimal side effects and developments in nanotechnology and immunotherapy have shown promise in the fight against this complicated illness. Since ancient times, insects and insect-derived products have played a significant role in traditional medicine across several communities worldwide. The aim of this study was to inspect the traditional use of edible insects in various cultures and to explore their modern use in cancer therapy. Edible insects are sources of nutrients and a variety of beneficial substances with anticancer and immunomodulatory potential. Recently, insect derived bioactive-components have also been used as nanoparticles either in combination with chemotherapeutics or as a nano-cargo for the enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs due to their high biocompatibility, low bio-toxicity, and their antioxidant and anticancer effects. The crude extracts of different edible insects and their active components such as sericin, cecropin, solenopsin, melittin, antimicrobial peptides and fibroin produce anti-cancer and immunomodulatory effects by various mechanisms which have been discussed in this review.

Entomotherapy as an alternative treatment for diseases due to Gram-negative bacteria in Burkina Faso

Insects are known for their harmful effects. However, they also benefit humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. Its beneficial uses include entomophagy and entomotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of insect extracts against Gram-negative bacteria. Antibacterial activities of thirteen crude extracts of medicinal insects were tested against twelve Gram-negative bacteria by diffusion on agar. Imipenem was used as an antibiotic for positive control. The thirteen extracts acted differently against certain Gram-negative bacteria. The largest inhibition diameter was for extracts of Cirina butyrospermi and Mylabris variabilis against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 and Salmonella enteritidis ATCC13076, respectively. The diameters of inhibition obtained using imipenem against these same bacterial strains were 13.0 ± 0.0 mm and 22 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The lowest inhibition diameter (7.5 ± 0.0 mm) was obtained using Anopheles gambiae extract against Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC14028. Imipenem was active on all strains tested. The highest values of the index multi-resistance to insect’s extracts were reported for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC9027 and Serratia odorifera 652411. Overall, the results of this study confirmed the antibacterial activities of insects used by traditional health practitioners to treat different pathologies. Entomotherapy could be an alternative treatment for certain infectious pathologies caused by gram-negative bacteria.

Protective effects of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) extract on N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)–induced cellular toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

Purpose: Edible insect extracts have been used as an alternative source for medicinal supplements due to their significant antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity. Recent studies have reported that anti-microbial peptides from insects have neuroprotective effects on dopamine toxins. The purpose of this study was to investigate the protective functions of mealworm (<i>Tenebrio molitor</i>) extract (MWE) on N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)–induced cellular toxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells.Methods: Cellular toxicity induced by the MPTP toxin and the impact of MWE on cell survival were analyzed using MTT assays. DAPI staining was performed to observe apoptotic phenomena caused by MPTP. Changes in caspase-3 activity and protein expression were observed using enzyme activity assays and western blot assays, respectively.Results: MWE exerted significant antioxidant activity, which was measured by both DPPH and ABTS radical assays, with a dose-dependent relationship. Furthermore, MWE resulted in cellular proliferation in SH-SY5Y cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, MWE pretreatment significantly inhibited MPTP-induced cytotoxicity, with a dose-dependent relationship. The morphological characteristics of apoptosis and increased reactive oxygen species induced by MPTP were also significantly reduced by MWE pretreatment.Conclusion: MWE treatment significantly attenuated MPTP-induced changes in the levels of proteins associated with apoptosis, such as caspase-3 and PARP. These findings suggest that MWE exerts neuroprotective effects on human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells subject to MPTP-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

Extracts from the edible insects Gryllus bimaculatus and Oxya chinensis sinuosa as an effective postnatal therapy for improving autistic behavior through blood-brain barrier control and gut microbiota

In the food resource crisis caused by global warming, interest in edible insects with high medicinal value in various diseases as well as nutritional value is increasing. This study evaluated the effects of Gryllus bimaculatus (Crickets) (Gb) and Oxya chinensis sinuosa (Grasshoppers) (Ocs) extracts in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced mouse model of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). VPA-exposed mice exhibited autistic behavior. Gb and Ocs extracts protected neurons in the brain; increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase; and recovered the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2, and cleaved caspase-3 in the autistic mice. Moreover, both extracts prevented blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption and cerebral edema as well as improved VPA-mediated gut dysbiosis via recovery of the Bacteroidetes/Firmicutes ratio and metabolic activity. Collectively, these new findings suggest a possible therapeutic role of insect extracts in ASD-induced BBB damage and gut microbiome composition alteration.

Edible insects and their potential anti-obesity effects: a review

Available evidence suggests that the consumption of edible insects may not only contribute protein and other valuable nutrients to the human diet but may also provide health benefits through various insect-derived peptides and bioactive compounds. Most studies of potential anti-obesity effects of edible insects have been conducted <i>in vitro</i>. The available <i>in vivo</i> evidence stems mainly from rodent models. Anti-obesity effects of various edible insect species, such as <i>Tenebrio molitor</i>, <i>Hermetia illucens</i>, and <i>Acheta domesticus</i>, have been suggested, and the findings of studies in mice models suggest the presence of bioactive compounds in edible insects with a potential efficacy in weight control. The mechanisms suggested to underlie the lipid-lowering and anti-obesity effects of edible insect extracts include the inhibition of pathways related to lipid metabolism, downregulation of genes involved in the metabolism of adipose tissue, effects on gut microbiota and increased satiety following consumption of insect-derived food products. However, any claims of health benefits of insect-derived compounds need to be sufficiently established, and trials in humans are a prerequisite. With respect to anti-obesity (and other health) effects, no such compound identified in insects has thus far been tested in humans. Further studies of the effects of bioactive compounds contained in edible insects on human health are therefore needed in order to validate the potential of edible insects as a novel measure in combatting obesity and promoting health in general.

Effects of edible insect extracts on the antioxidant, physiochemical, and microbial properties of Tteokgalbi during refrigerated storage

In this study, Tteokgalbi, a meat product, was prepared with edible insect larvae extracts and its antioxidant, physiochemical, and microbial properties were evaluated during refrigerated storage. Tteokgalbi prepared with 2% A. dichotoma and 2% P. brevitarsis showed the highest radical-scavenging activity and metal-chelating activity, but the lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) value, among the treatments (P < 0.05). In addition, those antioxidant activities were the lowest and the TBARS value was the highest in control Tteokgalbi (P < 0.05) during all storage days. Tteokgalbi prepared with 2% A. dichotoma showed the highest brownness index, pH, and cooking yield, but the lowest shear force value (P < 0.05). During all storage days, the total aerobic bacteria level did not differ significantly among the treatments. In conclusion, A. dichotoma extracts (2%) were effective as antioxidants, inhibiting lipid oxidation, and improving the quality properties of Tteokgalbi, without negatively affecting microbial counts. These results confirmed that the edible insect extracts have industrial value as a food additive.

Immune Stimulation via Wounding Alters Chemical Profiles of Adult Tribolium castaneum

Group-living individuals experience immense risk of disease transmission and parasite infection. In social and in some non-social insects, disease control with immunomodulation arises not only via individual immune defenses, but also via infochemicals such as contact cues and (defensive) volatiles to mount a group-level immunity. However, little is known about whether activation of the immune system elicits changes in chemical phenotypes, which may mediate these responses. We here asked whether individual immune experience resulting from wounding or injection of heat-killed Bacillus thuringiensis (priming) leads to changes in the chemical profiles of female and male adult red flour beetles, Tribolium castaneum, which are non-social but gregarious. We analyzed insect extracts using GC-FID to study the chemical composition of (1) cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) as candidates for the transfer of immunity-related information between individuals via contact, and (2) stink gland secretions, with analysis of benzoquinones as main active compounds regulating ‘external immunity’. Despite a pronounced sexual dimorphism in CHC profiles, wounding stimulation led to similar profile changes in males and females with increases in the proportion of methyl-branched alkanes compared to naïve beetles. While changes in the overall secretion profiles were less pronounced, absolute amounts of benzoquinones were transiently elevated in wounded compared to naïve females. Responses to priming were insignificant in CHCs and secretions. We suggest that changes in different infochemicals after wounding may mediate immune status signaling in the context of both internal and external immune responses in groups of this non-social insect, thus showing parallels to social immunity.

Microflora for improving the Auricularia auricula spent mushroom substrate for Protaetia brevitarsis production

SummaryMushroom cultivation is a sustainable agricultural waste utilization method, but the lack of high-value utilization of the produced spent mushroom substrate (SMS) has hindered the development of mushroom cultivation-based circular agricultural systems. Conversion and utilization of SMS via Protaetia brevitarsis larvae (PBL) have proven to be a high-value AASMS utilization strategy. However, Auricularia auricula SMS (AASMS), which contains woodchips, is less palatable and digestible for PBL. To solve this problem, in this investigation, we screened out microflora (MF) for AASMS fermentation by comparing the fermentation performance as well as the effect on PBL feed intake, weight gain, and AASMS phytotoxic compound removal efficiency. In addition, by bacterial community analysis, the genera Luteimonas, Moheibacter, and Pseudoxanthomonas were predicted to be functional bacteria for AASMS fermentation and contribute to palatability and digestibility improvement.

Study of the repellent effect of the insect extract of the mealybug Planococcus cirit on first-phase nymphs of the mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis

The research on field experiments is conducted at (1 March 2021 - 1 January 2022) in the woody plant canopy / Department of Biology / College of Education for Pure Sciences / University of Anbar, and the second part included laboratory experiments that are conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Biology / College of Education for Pure Sciences / University of Anbar to study the repellent effect of the ethanolic extract of Planococcus citri on the mealybug Nipaecoccus viridis nymphs. The results have shown that there is an effect of the ethanolic extract of Planococcus citri on the repellency of Nipaecoccus viridis nymphs, where the higher concentrations of the extract achieved stronger repellency efficacy than the lowest concentrations. The repellency percentage reached at the concentration 10000 ppm (56.7%) after one hour of exposure and 73.3% after 6 hours of exposure, and the lowest percentage of repellency at the 2000ppm concentration is 10.0% after an hour of exposure and 16.7% after 6 hours of exposure. While the 4000ppm concentration achieved a repellency rate of 33.3% after an hour of exposure and 53.3% after 6 hours of exposure.

In-Field LAMP Detection of Flavescence Dorée Phytoplasma in Crude Extracts of the Scaphoideus titanus Vector

One of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevine in Europe is caused by Flavescence Dorée phytoplasma (FDp), which belongs to the 16Sr-V group and is a European Union quarantine pathogen. Although many molecular techniques such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are widely used for the rapid detection of FDp in infected grapevine plants, there is no developed isothermal amplification assay for FDp detection in the insect vectors that are fundamental for the spread of the disease. For this reason, a simple in-field real-time LAMP protocol was optimized and developed for the specific detection of FDp in the insect vector Scaphoideus titanus. The LAMP assay was optimized to work with crude insect extracts obtained by manually shaking a single insect in a buffer for 5 min. Such a simple, sensitive, specific, economic, and user-friendly LAMP assay allowed the detection of FDp in S. titanus in less than half an hour, directly in the field. The developed insect tissue preparation procedure, combined with the LAMP protocol, promptly revealed the presence of FDp in infected S. titanus directly in the vineyards, allowing for monitoring of the spread of the pathogen in the field and to apply timely strategies required for the mandatory control of this pathogen.

Skin irritation and potential antioxidant, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase activities of edible insect extracts

This study aimed to investigate antioxidant, anti-aging, and irritation properties of Thai edible insect extracts, including Bombyx mori, Omphisa fuscidentalis, Euconocephalus sp., Patanga succincta, Acheta domesticus, and Lethocerus indicus. Insects were extracted by 2 different methods, including maceration using ethanol or hexane and digestion using DI water. Then the extracts were determined for protein content using bicinchoninic acid assay and antioxidant activities using 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and ferric thiocyanate assays. Anti-aging activities were investigated by determination of collagenase and elastase inhibitory activities using spectrophotometric assay. Maceration by hexane yielded the highest extract content, whereas aqueous extract from digestion possessed the significantly highest protein content and biological activities (p < 0.05). Interestingly, aqueous extracts of A. domesticus possessed the significantly highest biological activities (p < 0.05) with Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity value of 8.8 ± 0.1 mmol Trolox/mg, DPPH· inhibition of 19.5 ± 3.8%, equivalent concentration of 12.1 ± 0.7 µM FeSO4/mg, lipid peroxidation inhibition of 31.3 ± 2.4%, collagenase inhibition of 60.8 ± 2.1%, elastase inhibition of 17.0 ± 0.1%, and no irritation effect on chorioallantoic membrane and volunteers. Therefore, aqueous extract of A. domesticus would be suggested for further topical product development.

Effect of Defatting and Extraction Solvent on the Antioxidant and Pancreatic Lipase Inhibitory Activities of Extracts from Hermetia illucens and Tenebrio molitor.

Simple SummaryThe food industry is notably investing more resources on the production of nutritious, healthy, safe and sustainable products derived from edible insects. In this sense, natural extracts (or concentrated forms of compounds from natural sources) are usually food ingredients with added value for human health. This is due to their intrinsic beneficious biological activities; however, bioactive extracts from edible insects have been scarcely explored. Due to that and considering that the bioactivities of extracts might be conditioned by parameters of the technological process, we assessed how different extraction conditions, such as the defatting of the raw insect flours or the extraction solvents employed, affected two bioactivities of the resulting extracts from insects: the blocking of the digestion of fats from the diet by evaluating the inhibition of the responsible enzyme (pancreatic lipase), as well as their antioxidant activity. T. molitor and H. illucens were used, as they are two of the most known edible species for both feed and food. We observed a multibioactivity for all the extracts. Both tested processing factors differentially modulated the bioactivity of extracts from both species. We also analysed the composition of the H. illucens extracts and detected amino acids, lipids, carbohydrates, sterols and organic acids.The production of specific insect extracts with bioactive properties for human health is an emerging and innovative field for the edible insects industry, but there are unexplored extraction factors that might modulate the bioactivity of the extracts. Ultrasound-assisted extracts from T. molitor and H. illucens were produced. Effects of defatting pre-treatment and extraction solvent were evaluated on extraction yield, antioxidant activity and pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect. Chemical characterisation of defatted extracts from H. illucens was performed by GC-MS-FID. Non-defatted extracts showed higher extraction yields. Defatted extracts had similar extraction yields (around 3%). Defatted extracts had higher antioxidant activity, T. molitor being stronger than H. illucens. Antioxidant activity of T. molitor methanol extract was higher than the rest of solvents. Aqueous ethanol improved the antioxidant activity of H. illucens extracts. All extracts inhibited lipase, but no significant effect of defatting and solvent was observed for T. molitor. A significant higher inhibitory activity was observed for H. illucens, the strongest being defatted 100% and 70% ethanol H. illucens extracts. H. illucens extracts contained free amino acids and disaccharides, together with minor fractions of lipids, sterols and organic acids. These results evidence the potential of extracts obtained from edible insects as antioxidants and inhibitors of the pancreatic lipase, a simultaneous multibioactivity that might be favoured by the defatting pre-treatment of the samples and the solvent of extraction.