Vol. 10, Issue 6, Part D (2024)

Abstract
Sericulture, a significant contributor to the Indian economy, relies heavily on the quality and quantity of mulberry leaves for silkworm growth and silk production. This study investigates the impact of feeding mulberry silkworms (Bombyx mori) on leaves fortified with ayurvedic formulations, specifically Hingwastaka and Kapikacchu, on biomolecules. The fortified mulberry leaves were treated with solutions of Hingwastaka and Kapikacchu at concentrations of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, which were sprayed onto fresh leaves and shade-dried. The bivoltine double hybrid silkworm (FC1 × FC2) was fed with treated mulberry leaves. The results showed significant enhancements in protein content in both the fat body and haemolymph, with Kapikacchu at 2.0% and Hingwastaka at 2.0% being the most effective treatments, respectively. Carbohydrate levels also increased, with higher concentrations yielding better results. These findings underscore the importance of nutritional fortification in enhancing silkworm growth, digestion efficiency, and silk protein synthesis, thereby improving cocoon quality and yield. These findings suggest a novel approach to enhancing sericulture productivity by leveraging traditional ayurvedic knowledge to optimize mulberry leaf quality for silkworm rearing. This method offers a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to improve silk quality and yield, contributing positively to the sericulture industry.