Harnessing the medicinal benefits of silkworm, Bombyx mori

Sericulture, an agro-based industry centered on the production of raw silk through silkworm breeding, rearing, and host plant cultivation, has evolved significantly from its traditional focus on silk manufacture. Historically, byproducts of sericulture were discarded as waste. However, recent advancements have highlighted the medicinal potential of sericulture products and byproducts, expanding their applications beyond silk production. Silkworms have emerged as valuable tools in laboratory research, serving as model organisms in life sciences, environmental monitoring, and antimicrobial drug screening. Protein extracts from silkworm eggs are utilized for memory enhancement and weight management, while silkworm larvae provide blood glucose-lowering agents and other medicinal benefits. Additionally, silkworm pupae, a major byproduct of silk reeling, offer high nutritional value and therapeutic properties such as hepatoprotection, anticancer, and anti-aging effects, making them viable alternatives to traditional dietary supplements. This shift toward functional sericulture not only boosts farmer income but also contributes to healthcare innovations, underscoring its multifaceted potential.