Solvent-Dependent Biological Activities of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts From Edible Insect Larvae

The increasing demand for sustainable protein sources has intensified interest in edible insects as potential multifunctional food ingredients. In this study, we investigated whether solvent-dependent extraction influences the biological activities of edible insect larval extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts prepared from the larvae of Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (PBS), Tenebrio molitor (TM), and Allomyrina dichotoma (AD) were evaluated using multiple in vitro models. The aqueous extracts of AD and PBS exhibited strong antioxidant activity in HepG2 hepatocytes and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. Most extracts suppressed nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, all larval extracts inhibited β-hexosaminidase release in IgE/BSA-stimulated mast cells, suggesting anti-allergic potential. The protein-rich aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed relatively stronger angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity, whereas polyphenol-rich ethanolic extracts more effectively reduced lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. These findings highlight solvent-dependent functional activity profiles of edible insect larval extracts and support their potential as sustainable sources of bioactive ingredients.