A Systematic Review of Tasar Silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) Pupal Oil: Composition, Bioactivity, and Therapeutic Potential in Health and Disease Management
Indrani Nath *
Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu-641301, India.
Pankaj Lushan Dutta
Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu-641301, India.
Basavaraj Somalingappa Purad
Department of Sericulture, Forest College and Research Institute, Mettupalayam, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu-641301, India.
Mallikarjun
Department of Sericulture, University of Agriculture Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, 563361, India.
O.Ganesh
Department of Sericulture, University of Agriculture Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru, 563361, India.
Timmanna V Machappanavar
Department of Entomology, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola 444104, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Tasar silkworm (Antheraea mylitta) pupal oil (TPO) is emerging as a novel biofunctional lipid with significant potential in food, nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the origin, extraction methods, physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and therapeutic potential of TPO. Rich in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), tocopherols, phytosterols, and phenolic compounds, TPO exhibits remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and anticancer properties. Compared to other silkworm pupal oils such as Bombyxmori, Samiaricini, and Antheraeaproylei, TPO contains a superior omega-3 profile and balanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, making it a valuable dietary lipid. Physicochemical characteristics including refractive index, specific gravity, saponification, and peroxide values further support its oxidative stability and functional performance. A recent in vivo study in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats demonstrated that TPO supplementation significantly improved lipid profiles, reduced oxidative stress, and ameliorated hepatic and renal tissue damage. Despite its bioactivity, the underutilization of TPO and lack of clinical trials remain critical bottlenecks. This review highlights the nutraceutical potential of TPO, its role in sustainable resource valorization, and the need for future research in formulation development, clinical validation, and industrial integration.
Keywords: Tasarsilkworm, pupal oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA), omega-3 fatty acids, bioactive lipids, antioxidant activity, edible insect oil