Profiling of nutrients and bioactive compounds in the pupae of silkworm, Bombyx mori

The mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori pupae, is a major by-product of the silk reeling industry and has received considerable attention in recent years due to the presence of various essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. The crude protein content in dried pupae ranged from 51 to 55% and contains most of the essential amino acids. The lipid content of dried pupae is 25 to 32%, and there are 11 kinds of fatty acids, among which the content of α-linolenic acid is relatively high. Desirable levels of inorganic elements have detected, heavy metals were in below the permissible range. Sugar analysis revealed the presence of 15 different sugar molecules, of which sorbitol is the main component, and silkworm pupae also contains most of the water-soluble and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins C, E, K, D and vitamin B12 forms. A total of 18 different compounds of phenolic acids, mainly ferulic acid and cinnamic acid, and 15 different compounds of flavonoids, including luteolin, quercetin, myricetin, catechin and epicatechin have detected in silkworm pupae. Comprehensive analysis of nutritional and bioactive compounds in silkworm pupae revealed a wide variety of compounds with potential to be explored in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, functional foods, and feed additives.