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ORAL PRESENTATION / SÖZLÜ SUNUM

Exploring The “In Vitro” Bioactive Potential of
Cricket (Acheta Domesticus) Meal for Gut Health

Muhammad Adnan ARIF Talal HASSAN Simona BAVARO Muhammad Irfan MALIK
1,*
1
1
2
Stefano BAGATELLA Irene FERRARA Massimiliano TURSI
1
1
1
Giovanni PERONA 1 Zaira LOIOTINE Vladimiro CARDENIA Ilaria BIASATO
3
3
3
Ilario FERROCINO 3 Maria Teresa CAPUCCHIO
1

1 Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, ITALY
2 Institute of Science of Food Production, National Research Council, Turin, ITALY
3 Department of Agricultural, Forestry and Food Sciences, University of Turin, ITALY

*Correspound Author: muhammadadnan.arif@unito.it

Crickets (Acheta domesticus) are a sustainable, nutrient-rich source of high-quality
protein, essential amino acids, dietary fibres, and bioactive compounds, which may positively
influence gut health in humans and animals. While a more precise understanding of the

physiological mechanisms of gut health is increasing the contribution of insect-based diets,
particularly cricket meal (CM), the antioxidant and gut-protective effects remains

inadequately investigated.

This study aims to investigate the effects of CM on gut health, focusing on antioxidant
activity, cell viability, biochemical, and immunological responses in in-vitro models. CM

samples were subjected to static digestion, and antioxidant activity was evaluated by means
of DPPH assay. Preliminary results of digested CM concentration from 100 to 800 μg/ml

demonstrated a concentration-dependent effects. These findings suggest that CM exhibits
promising free radical scavenging capacity.

Ongoing work will expand on these findings by evaluating the effects of digested CM on
viability of intestinal epithelial cell lines, barrier integrity measured through TEER values and

anti-inflammatory gene expression analyzed by qRT-PCR.
Conclusion: The preliminary results highlight cricket meal as a promising functional

ingredient with significant antioxidant capacity in a concentration-dependent manner. This

supports the potential application of CM in mitigating oxidative stress and improving gut
health, thus contributing to the development of sustainable dietary strategies for animal

nutrition and welfare.
Keywords: Cricket meal, Antioxidant activity, In vitro digestion, Gut health, Oxidative stress.

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