Dietary supplementation with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal modulates hepatic lipid homeostasis and reduces TNF-α expression in mice

BACKGROUND: Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larval meal has attracted growing interest as a sustainable food ingredient due to its nutritional composition and potential biological effects. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with H. illucens larval meal on body composition, biochemical parameters, and hepatic markers in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty Swiss mice (n = 10/group) were randomly assigned to Control (AIN-93 M; mean initial body weight: 41.3 g) and AIN-93 M supplemented with 10% H. illucens larval meal (AIN-93 M + BSF; mean initial body weight: 39.6 g) for 12 weeks. When compared with controls, BSF-supplemented mice exhibited a 17.1% increase in body weight from baseline (final body weight: 46.36 g; p < 0.0001), whereas control mice showed a 3.5% reduction (final body weight: 39.87 g). This increase was accompanied by greater lean and fat mass (p < 0.05), while food intake and total body water remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Serum biochemical parameters, including lipid profile, ALT, and AST, showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Histological analysis revealed reduced hepatic lipid droplet area in BSF-supplemented mice (p < 0.05). Additionally, hepatic TNF-α expression was decreased (p < 0.05), whereas FASN expression was not significantly altered (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that a 10% H. illucens larval meal modulates selected hepatic parameters by reducing lipid accumulation and inflammatory signaling under the conditions evaluated. Further studies are needed to clarify its long-term metabolic effects and potential applications as a sustainable dietary ingredient.