International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
ISSN 2278-7763
334
RECENT TRENDS TO IMPROVE ADDED VALUE OF SERICULTURE
GALLA TULASI AND BUDDOLLA VISWANATH*
Department of Sericulture, Sri Padmavathi Mahila Viswavidyalayam
Tirupati – 517 502. INDIA
India is developing as potential silk producing country among many silk producing
countries of the globe. But, global silkworm industry, which had been focusing on silk
production previously, switched its market for supplying food supplements and raw materials
for medicine. Since then, it has been producing products, such as silkworm powder for
reducing blood glucose levels, silkworm dongchunghacho (cordyceps), which is effective to
cure cancer and strengthen the immune system, silk cosmetics, silk soap, silk toothpaste and
ice cream of mulberry leaf that encourage the growth of silkworm farmers in some Asian
countries particularly in Korea. Silkworm is an insect of which every part can be used for all
different purposes. Therefore, the sericulture to produce only silk fabric now has been
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changed into the functional sericulture of a new paradigm to relieve the patients as well as to
increase the farmers' income dramatically. Those functional sericulture will be further
developed and finally reborn into a real biotechnology-based sericulture in the future. In
addition, silver agriculture and experiential studies with sericulture are going to attract the
retirees in cities and help children’s studies. This review article will focus more on sericulture
as food supplements, cosmetics, and raw materials for medicine.
Keywords: Silkworm; Biotechnology; Cosmetics; Medicinal importance; Sericulture
Introduction:
Sericulture means cultivation of silkworms, which finally produces SILK. Sericulture
is an ancient industry in India dating back to at least second century BC (Jadhav et al. 2011).
In its long history, sericulture has passed through periods of great prosperity as well as
decline. Silkworm larvae are fed mulberry leaves, and, after the fourth moult, climb a twig
placed near them and spin their silken cocoons. The silk is a continuous-filament fiber
consisting of fibroin protein, secreted from two salivary glands in the head of each larva, and
a gum called sericin, which cements the two filaments together. The sericin is removed by
placing the cocoons in hot water, which frees the silk filaments and readies them for reeling.
The immersion in hot water also kills the silkworm pupae. Single filaments are combined to
form thread. This thread is drawn under tension through several guides and wound onto reels.
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International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
ISSN 2278-7763
335
The threads may be plied together to form yarn. After drying the raw silk is packed according
to quality.
As stated earlier, India is developing as potential silk producing country among many
silk producing countries of the globe. However, global silkworm industry, which had been
focusing on silk production previously, switched its market for supplying food supplements
and raw materials for medicine. Since then, it has been producing products, such as silkworm
powder for reducing blood glucose levels, silkworm dongchunghacho (cordyceps), which is
effective to cure cancer and strengthen the immune system, silk cosmetics, silk soap, silk
toothpaste and ice cream of mulberry leaf that encourage the growth of silkworm farmers in
some Asian countries particularly in Korea. Here in the article we are focusing more on
sericulture as food supplements, cosmetics, and raw materials for medicine
Mulberry Leaves
Mulberry leaves are rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins, B, C and K.
They also contain antioxidants particularly the anthocyanins and the flavonoids quercetin and
kaempferol. the leaves contain 18 amino acids.
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Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The
best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm
Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture). The shimmering appearance of silk is due to
the triangular prism-like structure of the silk fiber, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming
light at different angles, thus producing different colors.
Traditional Uses of Mulberry
In India, the leaves serve as food for cattle & goats, the pruned shoots are used as
firewood. The wood is used in making scaffolding, furniture, panellings, plywood, toys,
sports goods. Some parts of the wood are used to make carriages and carts. The branches of
the mulberry tree are used to make baskets. From the bark of the stem of the Morus alba tree,
paper is made.
Health Benefits of Mulberries
In ayurvedic medicines, various parts of the mulberry plant are used.
•
From the leaves a gargle is prepared for throat infections.
•
The fruits are used in fever, depression, and sore throat as they are cooling.
•
The root bark is used as purgative and anthelmintic.
•
The juice of the root is used to treat high blood pressure.
•
Chinese use the tips of the young leaves to make a tea to control blood pressure.
•
The latex is used as plaster for sores and in skin creams.
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International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
ISSN 2278-7763
336
•
Mulberries reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, heart palpitations etc.
•
Mulberries aid in weight loss, build immunity, benefit the digestive system and
eyesight, relieve constipation and enhance appetite and checks anemia.
•
they benefit hair growth, soothe the nerves, relieve tiredness and fatigue.
•
Mulberries benefits in gastritis, hepatitis dizziness and insomnia.
•
Mulberries control excessive thirst, relieve phlegm, purifies the blood.
•
Consuming mulberries during the hot season benefits in blood disorders and has a
cooling effect on the body.
•
Excessive yellowness of the urine is controlled by consuming mulberry juice to which
sugar has been added.
•
In mouth ulcers and enlarged glands, gargle with a solution of mulberry sherbet. Add
1 tsp of mulberry sherbet to a cup of water to make this water solution.
Nutrients in Mulberry
Mulberries are a literal powerhouse of nutrition. They are very rich in Vitamins B, C,
K and the element iron. Good levels of fiber, riboflavin, phosphorus, copper, magnesium,
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potassium and calcium are also found in mulberries (Table 1). Also they are an excellent
source of the antioxidants resveratrol, zeaxanthin, lutein,and to a lesser extent the alpha &
beta carotene.
Table 1: Mulberry Fresh, raw ( Nutrition Value per 100 g)
Principle
Nutrient Value
Energy
43 Kcal
Carbohydrates
9.80 g
Protein
1.44 g
Total Fat
0.39 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Dietary Fiber
1.7 g
Vitamins
Folates
6 mcg
Niacin
0.620 mg
Pyridoxine
0.050 mg
Riboflavin
0.101 mg
Vitamin A
25 IU
Vitamin C
36.4 mg
Vitamin E
0.87 mg
Vitamin K
7.8 mcg
Electrolytes
Sodium
10 mg
Potassium
194 mg
Minerals
Calcium
39 mg
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International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
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Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Selenium
Zinc
Carotene--ß
Carotene, ?
Lutein-zeaxanthin
337
60 mcg
1.85 mg
18 mg
0.6 mcg
0.12 mg
Phyto-nutrients
9 mcg
12 mcg
136 mcg
Mulberry Tea
The mulberry tea is caffeine free and made from mulberry leaves.
Mulberry tea maybe slightly laxative , controls inflammations of the mucus membranes of the
respiratory tract. The tea relieves colds, coughs, throat infections, inflammations of the eyes,
liver and lung problems, supposed to prevent oxidation of cholesterol consequently keeping
the arteries free of fat deposits and hence hardening of arteries.
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Silk (a natural protein fiber):
Silk is a natural protein fiber, some forms of which can be woven into textiles. The
best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm
Bombyx mori reared in captivity (sericulture). Silks are produced by several other insects, but
generally only the silk of moth caterpillars has been used for textile manufacturing. There has
been some research into other silks, which differ at the molecular level. Many silks are
mainly produced by the larvae of insects undergoing complete metamorphosis, but some
adult insects such as webspinners produce silk, and some insects such as raspy crickets
produce silk throughout their lives. Silk production production also occurs in Hymenoptera
(bees, wasps, and ants), silverfish, mayflies, thrips, leafhoppers, beetles, lacewings, fleas,
flies and midges. Other types of arthropod produce silk, most notably various arachnids such
as spiders (see spider silk).
Chemical Properties of Silk:
•
Silk emitted by the silkworm consists of two main proteins, sericin and fibroin,
fibroin being the structural center of the silk, and serecin being the sticky material
surrounding it.
•
Fibroin is made up of the amino acids Gly-Ser-Gly-Ala-Gly-Ala and forms beta
pleated sheets. Hydrogen bonds form between chains, and side chains form above and
below the plane of the hydrogen bond network.
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International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
ISSN 2278-7763
338
Tab le 2. The Co mpo sition of Amino Aci d in Silk Amino Acids( %)
Amino Acid
•
Compo sition
Amino Acid
Composition
•
Aspart at e
•
0.17
•
Valine
•
0.50
•
Glut amat e
•
1.03
•
Met hio inine
•
0.04
•
Ser ine
•
7.17
•
Phen ylalan ine
•
0.02
•
Glyc ine
•
46.39
•
Iso leu cine
•
0.08
•
Threo nine
•
0.15
•
Cyst eine
•
0.02
•
Alanine
•
44.55
•
T yro sine
•
0.14
•
Arginine
•
0.17
•
Lys ine
•
0.07
•
Leucine
•
0.05
•
Pro line
•
0.02
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The high proportion (50%) of glycine, which is a small amino acid, allows tight
packing and the fibers are strong and resistant to breaking.
•
The tensile strength is due to the many interseeded hydrogen bonds, and when
stretched the force is applied to these numerous bonds and they do not break.
•
Silk is resistant to most mineral acids, except for sulfuric acid, which dissolves it. It is
yellowed
by perspiration.
The
fo llowing
Table
2.
illust rat ed
t he
co mposit io n o f amino ac id in S ilk Amino Acids(%).
A. Miracle Health Food (Silkworm-Dongchunghacho/ Tochukaso/ Cordyceps)
Scientists Turn to Silk Strands for Surgery, Circuits (Synthetic silk could be the
next big thing in biotechnology)
Dongchunghacho is a fungus living inside the body of the larva or the image of insects in
winter and later grows outside the body in the form of mushroom in summer. It is not only an
animal but also a plant and known to have a miraculous energy. It has been called 'a mystic
miraculous medicine for eternal youth' or 'a legendary elixir of life' for a long time (Kang-Sun
Ryu 2011).
Institute of Agricultural Science & Technology under Rural Development Administration,
a Korea government authority, has succeeded as a result of their research for several years in
inoculating the cultivated fungus in the body of silkworm after they collected the wild
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International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
ISSN 2278-7763
339
Dongchunghacho, separated only the pure fungus, and sorted out two types (Japonica and
P.spJ300). It was the first time ever in the world that Silkworm-Dongchunghacho cultivating
on alive silkworm was developed and finally became possible to be produced in a large
quantity.
•
Under the patented technology the Paecilomyces japonica (tenuipes) fungus are
spreaded on the surface of live silkworm, leaded to be infected like a natural worm,
and cultivated in the form of a mushroom from the infected pupa.
•
Both the mushroom and the infected pupa, a host, are eaten together.
•
It is registered as a breed name 'Silkworm Dongchunghacho' under the government's
law for the quality maintenance of agricultural products. It is controlled by Korea
Food Code to use Silkworm-Dongchunghacho as a raw material for food and is
protected legally.
•
The important feature is that the Silkworm-Dongchunghacho has the outstanding
medical effect.
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The medical effect of Silkworm-Dongchunghacho
The medical effects acknowledged by the Natural Products Research Institute of
Seoul National University in Korea are as follows:
1) Anti-cancer - Effect of extending life: 203% & Effect of anti-solid cancer: 59%
2) Protection of liver - Remarkable effect of restraining active GOT and GPT
3) Anti-fatigue - 1.5times effect compared to the medicine "Tocopherol"
4) Strengthening immunocompetence - Double effect compared to the medicine
"Zymosan"
5) Anti-stress - Remarkable effect for recovery of various intestine weight
(adrenal, spleen, thyroid gland) changed caused by the stress
6) Anti-aging - Powerful skin and restraining the oxidation reaction
The virtue of Silkworm- Dongchunghacho
Good for strengthening the vigour, anti-cancer, arteriosclerosis, hypertension, heart
disease, decrepitude, renal disease, hepatitis, allergic dermatitis, asthma, fatigue recovery,
insomnia, constipation, brain disease, and elastic skins.
Silk is an amazing ingredient:
Silk Amino Acids are natural water-soluble source of acid derived from liquid silk;
these acids help moisture penetrate the skin and aid in skin healing.
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International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
ISSN 2278-7763
340
Silk Amino Acids add a 'silky' lather to soaps and also have moisture binding properties.
This luxurious recipe blends the silky and softening properties of liquid Silk amino acids in
our mild soap base to create an exquisite, silky, smooth, rich lather. This soap has the added
benefits of real silk in every bar!
The use of Silk in cosmetics:
Research has found that silk has moisture retention qualities and UV ray blocking properties.
Silk Cream (100% Fragrance Free):
Smiss Silk Cream is a natural beauty cream for the face. It contains pure natural silk.
The silk's 18 (eighteen) amino acids are absorbed instantly to nourish the skin and make it
moist. Smiss Silk Cream protects the skin from pollutants, windburn, sunburn and is
especially suitable for sensitive skin. enjoy the pleasure of a more youthful looking
appearance.
Silk Night Cream (100% Fragrance Free):
Smiss Silk Night Cream contains Silk Peptide, Silk Amino Acids, Aloe Vera and
Jojoba Oil. It regulates moisture balance during the night to nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
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Smiss Silk Night Cream assists the flight against wrinkles and fine line.
Smiss Natural Silk Lotion:
Smiss Natural Silk Lotion contains rich silk protein and silk peptide, which are good
moisturizers to keep your skin soft and moist. Regular use will help keep the skin soft, silkysmooth and always youthful looking. Smiss Natural Silk Lotion is for all types of skin.
Silk Hand Cream (100% Fragrance Free):
Smiss Silk Cream smoothes and softens rough hands .This natural hand cream is nongreasy and contains rich silk essence which gives the hands a silky, smooth, luxuriant feel
.Apply silk hand cream regularly and feel the difference.
Silk Baby Cream:
One million mothers proclaim that Smiss baby cream is a safe and effective products ,
Smiss baby cream is made from high quality nutritional elements, natural silk peptide and
raw greasy lanolin which work together to protects the baby's tender skin. It is easily to
absorbed and forms a protective film on the skin ,which reduces water evaporation. This
helps alleviate skin irritations caused by the environment. This cream resists cracking and
wrinkling of skin ;anti-wrinkle results are excellent. It guarantees a healthier, livelier and
tender baby.
SILK toothpaste:
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International Journal of Advancements in Research & Technology, Volume 2, Issue 7, July-2013
ISSN 2278-7763
341
SILK toothpaste is a pure natural health protection toothpaste.It contains the surface
growth factors of the activated natural material EGF and silk. In this way, it helps cells grow,
absorb nutrition, sterilize, diminish inflammation, prevent bleeding, ease pain, and heal
wounds.
Conclusion:
Thus it is the time to switch sericulture industry from the wearing silk material to
supplying functional food supplements for human medicinal use, silk as cosmetics and other
commercial purposes. Therefore, the sericulture to produce only silk fabric now has been
changed into the functional sericulture of a new paradigm to relieve the patients as well as to
increase the farmers' income dramatically. Those functional sericulture will be further
developed and finally reborn into a real biotechnology-based sericulture in the future.
References:
Nikoleishvili G (2005) Ways of perfection of application of the potential of economic
efficacy of sericulture in market economy conditions. Tbilisi, 2005, p.93-104.
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Kang-Sun Ryu (2011) The research trend for improving added value of sericulture. 5th Bacsa
international conference “sericulture for multi products – new prospects for
development” April 11th – 15th 2011 Bucharest, Romania (Proceedings)
Jadhav AD, Sathe TV, Dubal RS, Yankanchi SR, Bhusnar AR and Muley DV (2011) The
research trend for improving added value of sericulture. 5th Bacsa international
conference “sericulture for multi products – new prospects for development” April
11th – 15th 2011 Bucharest, Romania (Proceedings)
Copyright © 2013 SciResPub.
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