Evaluation of proximate compositions and profiling of nutritional aspects in pupae of tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta (Drury) as potential for food and feed resources

Aim: To investigate the proximate compositions, amino acids profile, phenols, flavonoids, fatty acids and minerals in Tasar silkworm pupae and assessment of biological potential of pupae extracts. Methodology: Biochemical composition such as proteins, fat, carbohydrate, chitin, ash, moisture and minerals were analyzed in Tasar silkworm pupae. The amino acid, vitamins, phenolics and flavonoid, fatty acids and free radical scavenging assay were evaluated. Results: The pupae powder contained 11.23% moisture, 60.67% crude protein, 23.83% fat, 3.29% carbohydrate, 5.1% ash and 3.87% chitin on a dry matter basis. Further, the pupae protein contained 19 amino acids, including all of the essential amino acids. Similarly, the pupae powder contained both water and fat soluble vitamins with higher content of tocopherol (13.23 µg 100 gm-1), phenolics compounds majorly ferulic acid (1317.5 µg gm-1) and p-coumaric acid (730.96 µg gm-1), flavonoids catechin (40.771 µg gm-1) and myricetin (12.466 µg gm-1) at higher levels and fatty acid with higher palmitic acid content (6.565 mg g-1). Mineral analysis indicated higher magnesium (208 mg 100 gm-1), calcium (47.79 mg 100gm-1) and iron (37.72 mg 100 gm-1) contents. Further, pupae extract exhibited free radical scavenging potential in a concentration-dependent manner. Interpretation: The results of the study indicate tasar pupae as a renewable and sustainable source for preparation of animal feeds. Key words: Antheraea mylitta, Antioxidants, Tasar pupae