Solvent Fractionation and LC-MS Profiling, Antioxidant Properties, and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Bombyx batryticatus

<i>Bombyx batryticatus</i> is the dried body of silkworm (<i>Bombyx mori</i> Linnaeus) larvae infected with <i>Beauveria bassiana</i>. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating convulsions, epilepsy, and hyperglycemia. In this study, <i>Bombyx batryticatus</i> and its extract were prepared. The total reducing power, hydroxyl radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities, as well as the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of <i>Bombyx batryticatus</i> extract were superior to those of normal silkworm larvae extract. Among them, the IC₅₀ value of <i>Bombyx batryticatus</i> extract for α-glucosidase was 5.76 mg/mL, while that of normal silkworm larvae extract was 7.0 mg/mL. Untargeted metabolomic analysis was employed to compare the material composition of normal silkworm larvae and <i>Bombyx batryticatus</i>. The results revealed 101 metabolic differences between the two groups, including a significant increase in fatty acids and their derivatives in the <i>Bombyx batryticatus</i> extract. Further separation and purification of the <i>Bombyx batryticatus</i> extract were performed using solvents of varying polarity. The chloroform fraction exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.217 mg/mL. LC-MS further identified compounds in the chloroform fraction, suggesting that those alkaloids, fatty acids, and their derivatives may be responsible for its strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This study elucidates the material basis underlying the pharmacological effects of <i>Bombyx batryticatus</i>, particularly its hypoglycemic components, thereby providing critical experimental support for its future development and application in medicine.