Sericin, a dietary additive: Mini review

Realization of the nutritive value of silk and silk protein sericin is essential to exploit its compatibility and value added potential. Sericin, a globular protein, obtained from cocoons, as a part of the refining process. It has a wide array of applications in food industry, pharmaceuticals, molecular biology, cosmetics, and textile industry. Dietary intake of sericin reduces the levels of serum cholesterols and triglyceride. Furthermore, exhibits antioxidant activity by inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme. The nutritive value of sericin is explored in countries such as Japan and China. Although sericin is exploited in India in cosmetic industry, textiles, and pharmaceutical industry, it has not been explored in the food industry. Sericin is a unique protein; its rate of production is high, as enormous amount of silk is generated in India and most goes for waste. Instead, it can be utilized into a dietary additive in the food industry. The aim of this review article is to highlight the nutritional benefits of sericin and how best it can be utilized in food industry as a dietary additive for the health benefits.