Silk amino acid (SAA)

Silk amino acids (SAAs) are derived from silkworm cocoons, containing sericin protein. High in serine and aspartate. Used primarily in cosmetics for skin and hair. Oral supplementation research is limited but suggests skin hydration and possible metabolic effects. NO GRADED OUTCOMES for health. Two forms: hydrolyzed (Sericin-S, absorbable) and non-hydrolyzed (Sericin-L, gut-protective). Mainly a cosmetic ingredient rather than proven health supplement.

Quick Answer

What it is

Silk amino acids (SAAs) are derived from silkworm cocoons, containing sericin protein. High in serine and aspartate.

Key findings

Grade D: Skin Hydration
Grade D: Antioxidant Status
Grade D: Collagen Production

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Silk amino acid (SAA)

Quick Facts: Silk amino acid (SAA)

Best Evidence:Grade D
Conditions Studied:1
Research Outcomes:5
Key Effect:Antioxidant Status

Outcomes by grade:

1 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Skin Hydration

In vitro studies demonstrate sericin's strong water-binding and moisturizing properties due to high serine content. Animal studies and cosmetic research support topical skin hydration effects, but no human clinical trials have evaluated oral supplementation for skin hydration outcomes.

small↑Improves

Collagen Production

An in vitro study found that sericin from different silk strains stimulated collagen production and nitric oxide release in cell culture models. Results varied by amino acid composition of the sericin extract, suggesting strain-dependent bioactivity.

small↑Improves

GI Protection

Animal studies suggest that non-hydrolyzed sericin (Sericin-L) may have gastrointestinal protective effects, potentially acting as a gut-lining protectant. This form is not absorbed systemically but may exert local effects in the GI tract. No human data available.

small↑Improves

Blood Glucose

Preliminary animal studies have reported anti-diabetic effects of silk sericin, though evidence is very limited and mechanisms are not well-characterized. No human trials have investigated oral sericin supplementation for glycemic outcomes.

small↓Improves

Antioxidant Status

Multiple in vitro studies and chemical characterization analyses confirm sericin possesses antioxidant activity, including free radical scavenging capacity. A 2025 study of Portuguese silkworm cocoon sericin confirmed bioactive antioxidant properties, though no human trials have been conducted.

small↑Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

DAntioxidant Status

1 outcome · 4 studies

↑Antioxidant StatusImproves

Research Citations (8)

Chemical Characterization and Bioactivities of Sericin Extracted from Silkworm Cocoons from Two Regions of Portugal.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2025)

PMID: 40076401

Silk Sericin Protein Materials: Characteristics and Applications in Food-Sector Industries.

International journal of molecular sciences (2023)

PMID: 36902381

A comprehensive review of recent advances in silk sericin: Extraction approaches, structure, biochemical characterization, and biomedical applications.

International journal of biological macromolecules (2023)

PMID: 37524279

Changes in Amino Acid Profiles and Bioactive Compounds of Thai Silk Cocoons as Affected by Water Extraction.

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) (2021)

PMID: 33918380

Silkworm Sericin: Properties and Biomedical Applications.

BioMed research international (2016)

PMID: 27965981

The effects of Bombyx mori silk strain and extraction time on the molecular and biological characteristics of sericin.

Bioscience, biotechnology, and biochemistry (2016)

PMID: 26399155

Isolation and bioactivities of a non-sericin component from cocoon shell silk sericin of the silkworm Bombyx mori.

Food & function (2012)

PMID: 22101964

The effect of sericin with variable amino-acid content from different silk strains on the production of collagen and nitric oxide.

Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer edition (2009)

PMID: 19520013

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