Sericins exhibit ROS-scavenging, anti-tyrosinase, anti-elastase, and in vitro immunomodulatory activities

Some biological properties of Bombyx mori sericins from twenty
strains were investigated, fourteen fed with artificial diet, two with
fresh mulberry leaves and four with both diets. Sericin exhibited ROSscavenging,
anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase properties, the strain
significantly influencedthese properties, while diet only influenced the
anti-tyrosinase activity. Sericins were clustered into 5 groups and one
sericin from each group was further studied: sericins showed antiproliferative
activity on in vitro stimulated peripheral blood
mononuclear cells; some strains decreased in vitro secretion of IFNγ,
while no effects were observed on TNFα and IL10 release.
Therefore, a mixture of sericins extracted from the most promising
strains may be useful for dermatological and cosmetic use.