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Siddiqui SA, Li C, Aidoo OF, Fernando I, Haddad MA, Pereira JA, Blinov A, Golik A, Câmara JS. Unravelling the potential of insects for medicinal purposes - A comprehensive review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15938. [PMID: 37206028 PMCID: PMC10189416 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Entomotherapy, the use of insects for medicinal purposes, has been practised for centuries in many countries around the world. More than 2100 edible insect species are eaten by humans, but little is known about the possibility of using these insects as a promising alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals for treating diseases. This review offers a fundamental understanding of the therapeutic applications of insects and how they might be used in medicine. In this review, 235 insect species from 15 orders are reported to be used as medicine. Hymenoptera contains the largest medicinal insect species, followed by Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Lepidoptera, and Blattodea. Scientists have examined and validated the potential uses of insects along with their products and by-products in treating various diseases, and records show that they are primarily used to treat digestive and skin disorders. Insects are known to be rich sources of bioactive compounds, explaining their therapeutic features such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and so on. Challenges associated with the consumption of insects (entomophagy) and their therapeutic uses include regulation barriers and consumer acceptance. Moreover, the overexploitation of medicinal insects in their natural habitat has led to a population crisis, thus necessitating the investigation and development of their mass-rearing procedure. Lastly, this review suggests potential directions for developing insects used in medicine and offers advice for scientists interested in entomotherapy. In future, entomotherapy may become a sustainable and cost-effective solution for treating various ailments and has the potential to revolutionize modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany
- German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL e.V.), Prof.-von-Klitzing Str. 7, 49610 D-Quakenbrück, Germany
- Corresponding author. Technical University of Munich Campus Straubing for Biotechnology and Sustainability, Essigberg 3, 94315 Straubing, Germany.
| | - Chujun Li
- Guangzhou Unique Biotechnology Co., Ltd, 510663, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Life Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Owusu Fordjour Aidoo
- Department of Biological, Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Environment and Sustainable Development, 00233, Somanya, Ghana
| | - Ito Fernando
- Department of Plant Pest and Diseases, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, 65145, East Java, Indonesia
| | - Moawiya A. Haddad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Processing, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Al-Balqa Applied University, 19117, Al-Salt, Jordan
| | - Jorge A.M. Pereira
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
| | - Andrey Blinov
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - Andrey Golik
- North Caucasus Federal University, Pushkina Street 1, 355009, Stavropol, Russia
| | - José S. Câmara
- CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Ciências Exatas e Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal
- Corresponding author. CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Campus da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal.
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Edible insects: As traditional medicine for human wellness. FUTURE FOODS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fufo.2023.100219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
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Hassan M, Haq SM, Amjad MS, Ahmad R, Bussmann RW, Pérez de la Lastra JM. Invertebrates and herptiles for livelihoods-ethnozoological use among different ethnic communities in Jammu and Kashmir (Indian Himalayas). Front Pharmacol 2023; 13:1043155. [PMID: 36712683 PMCID: PMC9877233 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1043155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethnic communities have relied on animals and their derived products for ages, and their use is often intricately related to many cultural features. In remote regions across the globe, indigenous peoples have been using invertebrates and herptiles for a variety of purposes (medicine, food, culture, and spiritual importance); however, related scientific research is sparse, particularly in the western Himalayas. In this respect, we collected useful information on invertebrates and herpetofauna from Jammu and Kashmir, India, across different ethnic groups, i.e., Gujjar, Bakarwal, Dogra, Kashmiri, and Pahari. METHODOLOGY The data were gathered using semi-structured interviews followed by group discussions. The information gathered was analyzed using ordination techniques (principal component analysis). The Venn diagram was used to investigate cross-cultural similarities and differences between ethnic groups. RESULTS We documented 30 species belonging to five classes and 20 families used for different ethnozoological practices (medicinal, magico-religious, food, costume, omen, poultry, and agricultural purposes). The use of fauna resources varied across ethnic groups, and cross-cultural examination revealed that Kashmiri and Pahari populations were more similar in their species utilization. The maximum number of species (27%) was uniquely used by Kashmiri, followed by Pahari (17%), and the least by Dogra and Gujjar (3% each). The ethnozoological use of all documented species is unprecedented. In addition to ethnozoological usage, various documented species (Apis cerana, Apis mellifera, Hirudinaria granulosa, and Bombyx mori) were also important for the local population's livelihoods. CONCLUSION Our findings can be considered the baseline for understanding the relationship of invertebrates and herptiles with specific ethnic groups and will aid in the development of future research projects that can assess the interaction between local fauna and the diverse ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Musheerul Hassan
- Clybay Research Private Limited, Bangalore, India
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Shiekh Marifatul Haq
- Clybay Research Private Limited, Bangalore, India
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Muhammad Shoaib Amjad
- Department of Botany, Women University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Bagh, Pakistan
- Birmingham Institute of Forest Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Riyaz Ahmad
- National Center for Wildlife, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rainer W. Bussmann
- Department of Ethnobotany, Institute of Botany, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- State Museum for Natural History, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - José Manuel Pérez de la Lastra
- Biotechnology of Macromolecules Research Group, Instituto de Productos Naturales y Agrobiología (IPNA-CSIC), San Cristóbal dela Laguna, Spain
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Torres-Castillo JA, Olazarán-Santibáñez FE. Insects as source of phenolic and antioxidant entomochemicals in the food industry. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1133342. [PMID: 36937358 PMCID: PMC10014852 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1133342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible insects are a natural resource with profound interest in the food industry. Not only because of their nutritional content and technical production advantage, but also for the presence of bioactive compounds known as entomochemicals. These include phenolic, alkaloid, and terpenoid compounds, as well as amino acids derivatives, among others. This work is focused on phenolic compounds, which have been the best characterized due to their role in food development and bioactive properties. The major taxonomic orders studied in this regard include Orthoptera, Coleoptera, and Lepidoptera, whose edible specimens have antioxidant effects provided by the phenolic compounds contained therein. The use of these insects in the development of nutritious foods will enhance the number of options available for the human population. However, depth research is still needed to guarantee the aforementioned bioactivity in processed foods and ensure its innocuity, thus minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and allowing the full utilization of edible insect species in the food industry. Phenolic derived from edible insects portray an opportunity to improve high quality food, as an alternative to diversify and complement an adequate and functional diet. Future development foods supplemented with insects must consider the preservation of potential benefits of not only nutrients, also de nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge A. Torres-Castillo
- Instituto de Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
- Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Mante, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas, Mexico
| | - Fabián E. Olazarán-Santibáñez
- Instituto de Ecología Aplicada, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Fabián E. Olazarán-Santibáñez,
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Toudonou C, Elwin A, Penner J, Coulthard E, Norrey J, Megson D, Rödel MO, Sinsin B, Harrington LA, Auliya M, D’Cruze N. Seeking serpents: Ball python trade in Benin, West Africa. NATURE CONSERVATION 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.50.86352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Ball pythons are traded as bushmeat, leather and belief-based medicine in West Africa, and specimens are exported in large numbers for the exotic pet trade. Here, we focused on understanding the purpose and socio-economic context of this trade in Benin through interviews with 44 actors involved in the trade of this species. We provided a snapshot of trade dynamics during a period when hunters are not predominantly actively involved in supplying eggs, neonates and gravid females for ranching and export as exotic pets. Our findings revealed that hunters and traders were largely focused on supplying the bushmeat and medicine markets in West Africa during this time. We estimated that the 21 collectors engaged in hunting in our study collectively hunt between 576 and 5,083 ball pythons from the wild each year. Collection rates reported by some suggests that they could earn more than 15,000 USD from ball python sales in bushmeat markets annually. Ball pythons hunted in Benin were mainly sold to local customers as “bushmeat” (53%) or for belief-based uses (39%) (including “fetish”, “medicinal products” and “voodoo”). However, cross-border trade with neighboring countries of Togo, Nigeria, and Ghana (or even further) also occurred. Although profitable for some, the scale of this practice, together with the widely reported decline in ball python populations in Benin, raises concern about the sustainability and long-term economic viability of this type of large-scale commercial wildlife trade in West Africa, especially as it occurs alongside extensive ranching practices to support the exotic pet trade.
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van Huis A. Cultural significance of locusts, grasshoppers, and crickets in sub-Saharan Africa. JOURNAL OF ETHNOBIOLOGY AND ETHNOMEDICINE 2022; 18:24. [PMID: 35346258 PMCID: PMC8962220 DOI: 10.1186/s13002-022-00524-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa, there is a wealth of information about insects which is often only orally available. The purpose of the study was to remedy this shortcoming and make an overview of how orthopteran species are utilised, perceived and experienced in daily life across sub-Saharan Africa. METHOD Ethno-entomological information on Orthoptera in sub-Saharan Africa was collected by (1) interviews with more than 300 people from about 120 ethnic groups in 27 countries in the region; (2) library studies in Africa, London, Paris and Leiden; and (3) using web search engines. RESULTS More than 126 species of crickets, grasshoppers, and locusts have been identified as edible in sub-Saharan Africa. Some toxic species, such as Zonocerus spp., are eaten by some groups who use processing and detoxifying techniques. The katydid Ruspolia differens is very popular as food in central and eastern Africa and is captured by indigenous and commercial methods. Vernacular names refer to their morphology, behaviour, characteristics or the beliefs associated with the insect. The aposematic pyrgomorphid species, such as Zonocerus spp., are often used as medicine. Children play with grasshoppers, by for instance herding them like cattle, and they consider cricket-hunting for food as a game. The doctrine of signatures probably plays a role, as crickets, because of their chirping, are used to improve the sound of a music instrument, or as medicine to treat earache. Locust plagues are considered a punishment which requires repentance, but also an opportunity to acquire food. Proverbs and stories relate to using the orthopterans as food or to the underground lives of the crickets. Possible explanations are given as to why so many practices, beliefs and stories about orthopterans are so widespread in sub-Saharan Africa. The relevance of recording such ethno-entomological practices is discussed. CONCLUSION Grasshoppers, locusts and crickets, although they may be agricultural pests, are very popular as food. They are also used in medicine, and as toys, and they play a role in religion, art and literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold van Huis
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University and Research, P.O. Box 16, 6700 AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Zhou D, Liang X, Wang J, Wang S, Li X, Ning Y. Study on the regulatory mechanism of the earthworm microbial community in vitro and in vivo under cadmium stress. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 279:116891. [PMID: 33751947 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, cadmium (Cd) stress tests were performed on Eisenia fetida in sterile artificial soil, and its regulatory mechanism between microbial communities in vivo and in vitro after Cd stress was explored. In the test, 0, 50, 100, 125, 250 and 500 mg kg-1 Cd stress concentrations were implemented. After long-term and short-term stress, the microbes in the earthworms and the soil were cultured with ECO plates. The data statistics of carbon source utilization intensity were carried out using the method developed by our team. CCA was scientifically integrated into TOPSIS to establish a new data analysis model to find the regulatory nodes after stress (Ning et al., 2020). Macro gene sequencing technology revealed that the species with the highest absolute abundance in the microbial communities in vivo and in vitro were all unnamed new species. It was confirmed that the HBA gene, NEUROD1 gene and ABCA3 gene were the regulatory genes of the microbial community in the earthworms under Cd stress, while the TC.FEV.OM gene and cheBR gene were the main regulatory genes of the microbial community in the soil. These results provide a scientific and theoretical reference and model basis for the bioremediation of Cd-contaminated soil and the detoxification mechanism of earthworms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongxing Zhou
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyan Liang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiahao Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Shiben Wang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Xin Li
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Yucui Ning
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
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Ugwu-Dike P, Nambudiri VE. A review of ethnomedicinal uses of shea butter for dermatoses in Sub-Saharan Africa. Dermatol Ther 2021; 35:e14786. [PMID: 33480103 DOI: 10.1111/dth.14786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Indigenous therapies, or traditional medicines (TMs), constitute a highly accessible and continuously growing health system in many parts of the world, including Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Shea butter, a fat produced from the kernels of the shea tree, has historically been used as an indigenous therapy for dermatologic ailments in SSA. Characterizing traditional therapeutic applications for shea butter is important to inform the continued development of TM in SSA. We conducted a literature review aimed at identifying all available publications on the use of shea butter to treat dermatoses within SSA and evaluating patterns of use. We found 24 dermatologic uses across 30 references. The most common study design was descriptive cross-sectional analysis (46.7%), often relying on the use of in-depth interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Eight SSA countries were represented and there were disparities in availability of information across SSA with the eastern and southern regions less likely to be represented. The most frequently investigated conditions were scabies, wound healing, and umbilical cord care. Shea butter was most commonly used in combination with other ingredients to produce a medical treatment with the most frequent adjuvant being Elaeis guineensis, African oil palm. Broad use of TM to treat varied skin diseases throughout SSA warrants increased investigations into this field in order to further develop the capacity of TM as a source of healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pearl Ugwu-Dike
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vinod E Nambudiri
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Adhikari JN, Bhattarai BP, Rokaya MB, Thapa TB. Ethno-medicinal uses of vertebrates in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, central Nepal. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240555. [PMID: 33125389 PMCID: PMC7598503 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional knowledge on the use of animal products to maintain human health is important since time immemorial. Although a few studies reported food and medicinal values of different animals, a comprehensive ethno-medicinal study of vertebrates in Nepal is still lacking. Thus, present study is aimed at documenting the ethno-medicinal knowledge related to vertebrate fauna among different ethnic communities in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, central Nepal. Data was collected by using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed by using Use Value (UV), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) and Fidelity level (FL). Results showed a total of 58 (53 wild and 5 domestic) species of vertebrate animals. They were used to treat 62 types human ailments. Four animals were also used for veterinary diseases and agriculture benefits. The most widely used species was Felis chaus (UV = 0.25) with 3 use-reports by 10 informants. Cardiovascular and dental problems had the highest ICF value (0.974) with cardiovascular problems having 351 use-reports for 10 animal species and dental problems having 77 use-reports for 3 animal species. The least ICF was found in ophthalmological problems (ICF = 0.833, use reports = 7 for 2 species). We concluded that the different animals were an important part of traditional medicine for the local people living in the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape. However, the majority of animals and most likely to be threatened due to their uses. The present documented ethnozoological knowledge can be used in conservation and management of vertebrates so that they could be protected for future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagan Nath Adhikari
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Department of Zoology, Birendra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
| | - Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Maan Bahadur Rokaya
- Institute of Botany, Czech Academy of Sciences, Průhonice, Czech Republic
- Department of Biodiversity Research, Global Change Research Institute, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tej Bahadur Thapa
- Central Department of Zoology, Institute of Science and Technology Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Kathmandu, Nepal
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