A comparative analysis of the characterization, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of oak tasar (Antheraea proylei) and mulberry (Bombyx mori) pupae oils

Abstract

Silkworm pupae oils have emerged as a great source of functional fatty acids in recent days. However, certain wild races of silkworm pupae are yet to be explored to know their potentiality in human health. Therefore, the current study aims to validate their efficacy towards therapeutic values through a comparative analysis between two races of silkworm pupae oil, namely, oak tasar pupae oil (OTPO) and mulberry silkworm pupae oil (MSPO). The pupae oils were extracted using the Soxhlet method followed by the fatty acids profile and functional group analysis using Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) respectively. The radical scavenging activities of both oils were determined by 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH). Further, both the oils were tested for their antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method. The oil yield was recorded as 24.62 ± 0.341 % and 24.16 ± 0.764 % for OTPO and MSPO respectively. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of conjugated linoleic acid (ω-6 fatty acids) as a prominent component in both OTPO (23.49 %) and MSPO (37.99 %), followed by other bioactive constituents in minor amounts. The FTIR analysis and chemical properties correlated to the peaks of common edible oils. Meanwhile, MSPO (150.50±0.45 μg/mL) had a higher TPC when compared to OTPO (44.599±0.514 μg/mL). Moreover, OTPO showed better radical scavenging properties than MSPO. Further, OTPO exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli, E. cloacae, and S. typhi at different dilutions. However, MSPO was found to be ineffective against the tested bacterial strains. In conclusion, the present study indicates that both oils could be used as an alternative edible oil source as well as a therapeutic agent in the near future.