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Sánchez-Estrada MDLL, Aguirre-Becerra H, Feregrino-Pérez AA. Bioactive compounds and biological activity in edible insects: A review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e24045. [PMID: 38293460 PMCID: PMC10825307 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
New strategies to combat hunger are a current and urgent demand. The increase in population has generated a high demand for products and services that affect food production, cultivation areas, and climate. Viable and sustainable alternative sources have been sought to meet food quality requirements. In this context, edible insects are a good source of macro-nutrients, and bioactive compounds confer biological properties that improve their nutritional aspects and benefit human health. This review aims to present the benefits and contributions of edible insects from the point of view of the biological contribution of macronutrients, and bioactive compounds, as well as consider some anti-nutritional aspects reported in edible insects. It was found that insects possess most of the macronutrients necessary for human life and are rich in bioactive compounds commonly found in plants. These bioactive compounds can vary significantly depending on the developmental stage, diet, and species of edible insects. However, they also contain phytochemicals in which anti-nutrients predominate, which can adversely affect humans with allergenic reactions or reduced nutrient viability when consumed in high amounts or for prolonged periods. Hydrocyanide, oxalates, soluble oxalate, and phytate are the most studied anti-nutrients. However, the doses at which they occur are far below the limits in foods. In addition, anti-nutrient levels decrease significantly in processing, such as oven-drying and defatting methods. However, there are few studies, so more trials are needed to avoid generalizing. Therefore, edible insects can be considered complete food.
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Affiliation(s)
- María de la Luz Sánchez-Estrada
- Center of Applied Research in Biosystems (CARB-CIAB), School of Engineering, Autonomous University of Querétaro-Campus Amazcala, Carretera Amazcala-Chichimequillas Km 1.0, C.P 76265 El Marqués, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Humberto Aguirre-Becerra
- Center of Applied Research in Biosystems (CARB-CIAB), School of Engineering, Autonomous University of Querétaro-Campus Amazcala, Carretera Amazcala-Chichimequillas Km 1.0, C.P 76265 El Marqués, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Ana Angélica Feregrino-Pérez
- Center of Applied Research in Biosystems (CARB-CIAB), School of Engineering, Autonomous University of Querétaro-Campus Amazcala, Carretera Amazcala-Chichimequillas Km 1.0, C.P 76265 El Marqués, Querétaro, Mexico
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Li M, Mao C, Li X, Jiang L, Zhang W, Li M, Liu H, Fang Y, Liu S, Yang G, Hou X. Edible Insects: A New Sustainable Nutritional Resource Worth Promoting. Foods 2023; 12:4073. [PMID: 38002131 PMCID: PMC10670618 DOI: 10.3390/foods12224073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible insects are a highly nutritious source of protein and are enjoyed by people all over the world. Insects contain various other nutrients and beneficial compounds, such as lipids, vitamins and minerals, chitin, phenolic compounds, and antimicrobial peptides, which contribute to good health. The practice of insect farming is far more resource-efficient compared to traditional agriculture and animal husbandry, requiring less land, energy, and water, and resulting in a significantly lower carbon footprint. In fact, insects are 12 to 25 times more efficient than animals in converting low-protein feed into protein. When it comes to protein production per unit area, insect farming only requires about one-eighth of the land needed for beef production. Moreover, insect farming generates minimal waste, as insects can consume food and biomass that would otherwise go to waste, contributing to a circular economy that promotes resource recycling and reuse. Insects can be fed with agricultural waste, such as unused plant stems and food scraps. Additionally, the excrement produced by insects can be used as fertilizer for crops, completing the circular chain. Despite the undeniable sustainability and nutritional benefits of consuming insects, widespread acceptance of incorporating insects into our daily diets still has a long way to go. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the nutritional value of edible insects, the development of farming and processing technologies, and the problems faced in the marketing of edible insect products and insect foods to improve the reference for how people choose edible insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjiao Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Chengjuan Mao
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Xin Li
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Lei Jiang
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Wen Zhang
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Mengying Li
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
| | - Huixue Liu
- College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China;
| | - Yaowei Fang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Shu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
| | - Xiaoyue Hou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Bioresources and Environment, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (M.L.); (Y.F.); (S.L.); (G.Y.)
- Co-Innovation Center of Jiangsu Marine Bio-Industry Technology, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
- College of Marine Food and Bioengineering, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China; (C.M.); (X.L.); (L.J.); (W.Z.); (M.L.)
- Jiangsu Marine Resources Development Research Institute, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang 222005, China
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Tiranakwit T, Puangpun W, Tamprasit K, Wichai N, Siriamornpun S, Srisongkram T, Weerapreeyakul N. Phytochemical Screening on Phenolic, Flavonoid Contents, and Antioxidant Activities of Six Indigenous Plants Used in Traditional Thai Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13425. [PMID: 37686230 PMCID: PMC10487580 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The antioxidant activity of a traditional Thai formula has been studied and compared to each plant. The formula comprised the roots of Caesalpinia digyna Rottler, Huberantha cerasoides (Roxb.) Benth), Oxyceros horridus Lour, Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaerth, Combretum quadrangulare Kurz, and Ziziphus cambodiana Pierre. The stem was also studied in comparison. The ethanolic extract from each plant part and the mixed plants mimicking the traditional formula were prepared and investigated for antioxidant capability in vitro via DPPH radical scavenging and ferric-reducing antioxidant power assays. The phytochemical constituents were determined by chemical screening, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC), and high-performance liquid chromatography. The relationship between antioxidant activity and the contributed phytochemicals was determined using correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Results showed that extracts from both parts of the plant formula showed the highest antioxidant activity compared to a single plant extract. Among the six plants, C. digyna exhibited the highest TPC and antioxidant activity. TPC had a strong positive correlation with antioxidant activity. PCA revealed that gallic acid contributed to the antioxidant activity. In conclusion, the ethanolic extracts of the traditional formula and C. digyna have the potential for further chemical characterization and study related to antioxidant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanawuth Tiranakwit
- Program of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Wimonwan Puangpun
- Program of Doctor of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand;
| | - Kawintra Tamprasit
- Human High Performance and Health Promotion Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.T.); (T.S.)
| | - Natthapong Wichai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand;
| | - Sirithon Siriamornpun
- Research Unit of Thai Food Innovation, Department of Food Technology and Nutrition, Faculty of Technology, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand;
| | - Tarapong Srisongkram
- Human High Performance and Health Promotion Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.T.); (T.S.)
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
| | - Natthida Weerapreeyakul
- Human High Performance and Health Promotion Research Institute, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand; (K.T.); (T.S.)
- Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
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