Anti-diabetic effects of the silkworm (Bombyx mori.) extracts in the db/db mice

The anti-diabetes mechanism of silkworm powder and extracts turned out to have the inhibitory activity of α-glycosidase. The major functional component of silkworm powder was 1-deoxynojirimycin(1-DNJ), and it exerts blood glucose-lowering effect. This study compared with polyhydroxylated alkaloid contents such as 1-deoxynojirimycin(DNJ), Fagomine, and 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-D-arabinitol (DAB) according to three silkworm varieties. Changes of food and water intakes, body weight and blood glucose with db/db mice were investigated. In addition, the oral glucose tolerance test carried out by maltose in ICR mice.

The contents of 1-DNJ was very similar among the three varieties, but the contents of polyhydroxylated alkaloid were the highest in Yeonnokjam. The 1-DNJ contents of the YR70 group were more than those of other groups that used other extract methods. The anti-diabetic effects of the extracts and powder of Yeonnokjam are tested on the db/db mice. The blood glucose level decreased significantly in YR70 group, but food and water intake and body weight do not changed considerably. Based on these results, the silkworm extracts can be developed as a new natural drug.