Contents of Nutrients in Ultra-Fine Powders of Steamed and Lyophilized Mature Silkworms Generated by Four Silkworm Varieties

The study investigated the nutrient content and potential hair growth-promoting effects of ultra-fine powders of steamed and lyophilized mature silkworms (ufSMSPs) from four silkworm varieties. Significant differences in nutrient contents were found among the ufSMSPs from the different varieties, with some nutrients being higher in ufSMSPs compared to fine powders (fSMSPs). The in vivo hair growth test on male C3H mice, with three groups of five mice each, showed that treatments with ufSMSPs and fSMSPs from the pistachio cocoon strain significantly promoted hair growth compared to the control, with no significant difference between the two treatments. The study concluded that ufSMSPs might have enhanced pharmacological effects due to their smaller particle size, despite having comparable or slightly lower nutrient contents than fSMSPs. The study suggests further research to understand the relationship between particle size, nutrient composition, variety, and pharmacological activity. Four samples were analyzed for each value measured, and significant differences were noted at p<0.05.