August 6, 2025 – Powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties in oil derived from black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) offer significant potential as a sustainable, natural feed additive that supports animal immunity and reduces synthetic drug reliance. The oil is a waste-to-resource superfood and is already used as animal feed and fertilizer. 

Led by Professor Bertha (Betty) Schwartz from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s (HU) Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment and published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, the researchers reveal that a specially treated form of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) oil, dubbed MBSFL, has potent anti-inflammatory effects but doesn’t compromise beneficial immune functions. MBSFL may one day offer a natural, sustainable way to help manage inflammation-related conditions in both animals and, potentially, even humans. 

“We’re always looking for ways to reduce our reliance on synthetic additives in agriculture,” said Prof. Schwartz. “What’s exciting here is that black soldier fly larvae oil is not only a sustainable byproduct but may also have a genuine role in supporting animal immune health through natural pathways.” 

Using advanced cell culture models and phosphoproteomic analysis, the research team demonstrated that MBSFL effectively dampens overactive immune responses by blocking inflammatory signaling pathways—especially the NF-kB pathway—while promoting metabolic regulators that are associated with balanced, anti-inflammatory states. 

The oil’s effects appear tied to its unique fatty acid profile and naturally occurring bioactive compounds like lauric acid, isoprenoids, and oxylipins—already known to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. 

Using this oil could lead to:  

  • Healthier livestock: MBSFL could help reduce reliance on antibiotics and improve recovery from infections or stress. 
  • Natural feed additive potential: MBSFL oil could be developed into a feed supplement with functional health benefits, especially relevant in poultry and swine production. 
  • Waste upcycling: Since MBSFL can be raised on organic waste, this research supports a circular economy model, transforming food scraps into high-value animal health solutions. 

While the current study focuses on human immune cells in a lab, Prof. Schwartz notes that these findings lay the groundwork for trials in farm animals and open new doors for functional feed development in sustainable agriculture. 

“This is a step forward in aligning animal health solutions with environmental stewardship,” she added. “The black soldier fly is proving that nature has plenty left to teach us.” 

The research paper titled “Impact of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Oil on Immunometabolic Processes” is now available in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences and can be accessed here.

Researchers:

Hadas Inbart Richter1, Ofer Gover1, Amit Hamburg1, Keren Bendalak2, Tamar Ziv2, Betty Schwartz1

Institutions:

  1. Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The School of Nutritional Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
  2. Smoler Proteomics Center, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology