Bioactive Compounds from Tasar Silkworm Food Plants

Terminalia tomentosa Roxb., Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. ex DC) Wt. & Arn and Shorea robusta Roth. are traditionally used as food plants of Tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta D. The quality and quantity of tasar cocoons and silk fibres are closely related to nutritive value of food plants. Moisture retention capacity, and presence of nitrogen, protein and other bioactive content in these food plants play an important role in silkworm feeding and production of good quality cocoons followed by silk. Present study was undertaken to investigate nutrient status of food plants consumed by tasar silkworm, The phytochemical analysis revealed that Terminalia tomentosa Roxb., had maximum moisture retention capacity, nitrogen and protein contents and presence of bioactive substances such as carbohydrates, phenol and tannin, saponin, glycosides, steroids, alkaloids and terpenoids, in comparison to Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.ex DC) Wt. & Arn and Shorea robusta Roth.