Researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have found that fly larva oil can help treat ulcerative colitis. The results of the scientific study have been published magazine International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
Fly larvae are often used as a valuable protein. The population of the world is actively growing, so scientists are looking for new methods of obtaining the necessary micro and macro elements. One of the options considered is to eat insects, especially fly larvae.
Representatives of the black soldier fly (lat. Hermetia illucens) were used in the study – the authors studied the effect of oil from fly larvae on mice with ulcerative colitis. This is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory disease of the colon and is characterized by the presence of ulcers on the mucous membrane. As a result, abdominal pain, diarrhea, false urge to empty the bowels may occur. It is also possible to develop life-threatening complications (intestinal bleeding and colorectal cancer). The cause of the incident is not yet known exactly.
Black soldier fly larva oil turned out to be anti-inflammatory and rich in lauric acid. Mice that received the oil had reduced levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. They also lost weight and their gut health improved.
ancient scientists establishedthat helminth infestation prevents diabetes and improves metabolism.