Solvent Fractionation and LC-MS Profiling, Antioxidant Properties, and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Bombyx...

Bombyx batryticatus is the dried body of silkworm (Bombyx mori Linnaeus) larvae infected with Beauveria bassiana. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating convulsions, epilepsy, and hyperglycemia. In this study, Bombyx batryticatus and its extract were prepared. The total reducing power, hydroxyl radical scavenging and superoxide anion radical scavenging activities, as well as the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of Bombyx batryticatus extract were superior to those of normal silkworm larvae extract. Among them, the IC₅₀ value of Bombyx batryticatus extract for α-glucosidase was 5.76 mg/mL, while that of normal silkworm larvae extract was 7.0 mg/mL. Untargeted metabolomic analysis was employed to compare the material composition of normal silkworm larvae and Bombyx batryticatus. The results revealed 101 metabolic differences between the two groups, including a significant increase in fatty acids and their derivatives in the Bombyx batryticatus extract. Further separation and purification of the Bombyx batryticatus extract were performed using solvents of varying polarity. The chloroform fraction exhibited the highest inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, with an IC₅₀ value of 0.217 mg/mL. LC-MS further identified compounds in the chloroform fraction, suggesting that those alkaloids, fatty acids, and their derivatives may be responsible for its strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This study elucidates the material basis underlying the pharmacological effects of Bombyx batryticatus, particularly its hypoglycemic components, thereby providing critical experimental support for its future development and application in medicine.