Immunomodulatory effect of the larvae of yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus

This paper dealt with the immunomodulation tests of Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus in immunity. Mice were fed with T. molitor water-extract at dose of 1.87, 3.75 and 7.50 g.kg(-1).d(-1) for 4 weeks, and their immune function was studied. The results about the effects of T. molitor water-decoction on spleen index, thymus index and phagocytic rate and phagocytic index of mice, indicated that E. sinensis did not affect visceral index, but enhanced observably phagocytic rate and phagocytic index. T. molitor water-extract could stimulate response of delayed hypersensitivity. The proliferation of ConA-induced mitogenic response for spleen lymphocyte was also increased. The amount of hemolytic antibody in mice serum increased, compared with those of the control group mice. T. molitor can enhance immune function of mice. Therefore, T. molitor has immunomodulatory function which could be developed and utilized as health food resource.