Nutritional aspects and dietary benefits of “Silkworms”: Current scenario and future outlook

Abstract

In the current scenario, it is estimated that by 2050, there will be an additional 2.5 billion people and a 70% increase in food demand. Crop yields are not increasing fast enough to support global needs, and world agriculture is facing several serious challenges. Therefore, insects can be a nutritious alternative to meet the ever-increasing food demand in the present and future. The majority of insect consumption occurs in developing countries, with approximately 1,900 insect species consumed worldwide. Food and feed derived from them are of high quality, have a high feed conversion ratio and emit a low level of greenhouse gases. Among insects silkworms are beneficial to humans, not only because of their high nutritional value, but also because of their several pharmacological properties. Silkworm eggs, larvae, and pupae contains high amount of proteins, oils, minerals, vitamins, and several other beneficial components which are nutritious as well as have positive effect on human health. Studies have shown that silkworm pupae protect the liver, enhance immunity, inhibit apoptosis, inhibit cancer, inhibit tumor growth, inhibit microbial growth, regulate blood glucose and blood lipids, and lower blood pressure. This review paper summerized the nutritional value of different life stages of silkworm, nutritional comparison of silkworm with the major human foods, and the effects of silkworm consumption on human health, thus ittargets to generate interest toward in sericulture and improve human health by using silkworm as a nutritious food and attain sustainability in food and nutritional security.

An In-Depth Insight into the Profile, Mechanisms, Functions, and Transfer of Essential Amino Acids from Mulberry Leaves to Silkworm Bombyx mori L. Pupae and Fish

“…Silkworms are subjected to successive complex metamorphosis throughout their four life stages (egg, larva, pupa, and adult). After the silk fiber is reeled, a valuable protein-rich by-product known as silkworm pupae (SWP) are generated [4]. SWP represent 60% of the cocoon weight [5] and are considered a complete source of nutrients such as protein (55.6% dry matter (DM)), fats (20-40% DM bases), minerals, vitamins, chitin, as well as an essential source of bioactive compounds [phenols, flavonoids, amino acids (AA), fatty acids (FA)].…”

“…Protein (the polymer of AAs) is the main nutrient required by silkworms for growth, development, the production of cocoons and eggs, and the secretion of silk threads [3,4,[10][11][12].…”

“…Mahanta et al [4] state that the proteins in SWP are hydrolyzed and converted into a range of physiologically active compounds, including peptides produced by protease action. The peptides contain AAs involved in several physiological functions [17,18].…”

Influence of Biochar on Soil Insect Dynamics and Infestation

“…Their interactions within the soil ecosystem contribute significantly to the overall health and functionality of terrestrial environments [16]. However, disturbances in soil health, induced by factors such as land-use changes, pollution, and climate variations, can disrupt the delicate equilibrium of soil-dwelling insect populations, potentially leading to ecological imbalances and decreased agricultural productivity [17][18][19][20][21][22]. This chapter aims to delve into the intricate nexus between biochar applications, soil health, and soil-dwelling insects.…”

Purification, Immunological Identification, and Characterization of the Novel Silkworm Pupae Allergen Bombyx mori Lipoprotein 3 (Bomb m 6)

“…mori, are rich in nutrients including proteins, lipids, chitosan, vitamins, and other nutrients . Hence, except for being used as animal feed, silkworm pupae have also been widely consumed as human food in Asian countries, such as Korea, Thailand, India, and especially China. − …”