Medical Applications of Sericulture Byproducts: A Comprehensive Review
Harish Reddy C *
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, India.
Sandhya N
Department of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, India.
N M Praveen Kumar Gowda
Water Science and Technology Management, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
Varun M S
University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, 560065, India.
Rakshitha K R
College of Sericulture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Sericulture, traditionally practiced for silk production, is now gaining prominence for its array of bioactive byproducts—silk fibroin, sericin, silkworm pupae, and mulberry leaves each offering promising biomedical potential. This comprehensive review explores their structural characteristics, extraction technologies, therapeutic mechanisms, and clinical applications. Silk fibroin exhibits exceptional biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and biodegradability, making it suitable for scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering constructs. Sericin demonstrates potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties, supporting its use in dermatology, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Nutritionally rich silkworm pupae provide bioactive peptides effective in metabolic regulation and anticancer interventions. Mulberry leaves, abundant in 1-deoxynojirimycin and flavonoids, offer antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and cardioprotective benefits. The paper further highlights innovations in green extraction technologies, clinical safety assessments, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Commercialization of silk-based products is accelerating, with applications spanning sutures, dermal fillers, and burn dressings. Despite challenges in standardization and scalability, advances in genetic engineering, nanotechnology, and 4D bioprinting herald next-generation silk biomaterials. This review offers insights for advancing research, commercialization, and sustainable utilization of sericulture byproducts in modern medicine.
Keywords: Silk fibroin, sericin, silkworm pupae, biomedical applications, sustainable biomaterials