The mature silkworms of Bombyx mori L. have recently been regarded as a potential health supplement due to gaining their edibility for humans via a newly-developed steaming method by the Rural Development Administration in Korea. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a larval powder of steamed mature silkworms (SMSP) on hair growth/loss in vivo in mice. Topically applied SMSP showed potent hair growth promoting activity. SMSP-treated mice showed increase in hair weight significantly compared with control mice which were not treated with SMSP. Orally administered SMSP also showed hair growth promoting activity, which was lower than that when applied topically. By elucidating the hair loss preventing activity of SMSP, this study will be helpful to increase incomes for sericultural farm households in Korea.

• Hyun-Tai Lee(Biopharmaceutical Engineering Major, Division of Applied Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Dong-eui University)