A review on edible insects in China: Nutritional supply, environmental benefits, and potential applications

Lin, Xueying; Wang, Feifan; Lu, Yuting; Wang, Jiarui; Chen, Jingwen; Yu, Yingxin; Tao, Xiaoyu; Xiao, Ying; Peng, Ye

doi:10.1016/j.crfs.2023.100596

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 82 publications

(109 reference statements)

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“…The local populace was unaware of the nutritional and health benefits of eating insects. Therefore, improving their awareness of entomophagy’s nutritional benefits could help promote edible insects as a regular source of nutrients in their diet [ 55 , 56 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Luo,

Dai,

Feng

2024

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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Background Although China has a long history of using insects as food and medicine and has developed numerous associated knowledge and practices, especially in its rural and mountainous areas, systematic surveys concerning this subject are limited. In-depth ethnobiological research is needed to compile a comprehensive database of edible and medicinal insects and record the associated knowledge of these food and medicinal resources. Methods Data on edible and medicinal insects and associated knowledge about them were collected by interviewing 216 local villagers in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Results Local villagers used at least 16 edible and 9 medicinal insects, of which 4 wasp species were used in both entomophagy and medicinal practices. Parapolybia varia, Polistes olivaceus, and Anomala chamaeleon were newly recorded edible insects in China. The wasps, Euconocephalus sp., Gryllotalpa orientalis, and Cyrtotrachelus longimanus, were preferred and culturally important edible insects. Populations of Euconocephalus sp. and G. orientalis were reported to have substantially decreased in recent years. Wasps and a bamboo bee were used to treat rheumatism, while cockroaches and antlions were used to treat common cold symptoms in infants. Insect-related knowledge was positively correlated with the interviewees’ age. Conclusions Villagers have accumulated considerable local and traditional knowledge of entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices. However, this knowledge is in danger of being lost, which highlights the urgent need to document this information. Edible insects enrich local diets, and a more sustainable supply (such as through insect farming) could maintain local entomophagy practices. Medicinal insects are a part of local folk medicine, and pharmacological and chemical techniques could be applied to identify various biologically active substances in these insects.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Luo,

Dai,

Feng

2024

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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“…With the development of the food industry, many studies on edible insects have been carried out globally during the past 2 decades, including nutrient ingredient identification [3], nutritional value assessment [4], and further processing [5]. Numerous studies have confirmed that silkworm pupae possess excellent nutritional qualities and contain abundant nutrients, such as proteins, lipids, and vitamins; the protein includes a complete set of 18 amino acids, among which the essential amino acids account for over 55% [6].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Protective Effects of Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Pupae Peptides on UV-Induced Skin Photoaging in Mice

Lin,

Fan,

et al. 2024

Foods

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Silkworm (Bombyx mori) pupae are popular edible insects with high nutritional and therapeutic value. Currently, there is growing interest in the comprehensive application of silkworm pupae. In this study, peptides that exhibited anti-photoaging activity were obtained from silkworm pupae protein, aiming to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of silkworm pupae peptides (SPPs) on skin photoaging. The results showed that SPPs were composed of 900 short peptides and could effectively alleviate skin photoaging progression. They significantly eliminated excessive production of ROS and MDA; meanwhile, they also renovated the antioxidant enzyme activities. The biomarkers related to collagen synthesis and degradation, including hydroxyproline, interstitial collagenase, and gelatinase, demonstrated that SPPs could suppress collagen degradation. Histopathological results showed that SPPs could reduce the inflammatory infiltrate and the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, as well as increase the collagen bundles and muscle fibers. The histopathological and biochemical results confirmed that SPPs could alleviate photoaging by inhibiting abnormal skin changes, reducing oxidative stress, and immune suppression. Overall, these data prove the protective effects of SPPs against the photoaging process, suggesting their potential as an active ingredient in skin photoaging prevention and therapy.

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“…Innovations in insect farming technology, such as automated systems and sustainable feed sources, are essential to maximize the potential of insect resources for food production. Collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders is key to advancing the bioconversion of insect resources and integrating them into mainstream food systems ( Lin et al, 2023 ). In summary, the topic aims to explore the potential of using insects as a sustainable resource for various applications, including utilizing insects for their protein content, converting organic waste into valuable products through insect bioconversion, and promoting the use of insects as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional livestock farming.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Editorial: Bioconversion of insect resources for sustainability

Wang,

Cespedes-Acuña,

Wei

2024

Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol.

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A review on edible insects in China: Nutritional supply, environmental benefits, and potential applications

Cited by 8 publications

References 82 publications

Entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Entomophagy and entomo-therapeutic practices in a mountainous territory in southeast Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

The Protective Effects of Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Pupae Peptides on UV-Induced Skin Photoaging in Mice

Editorial: Bioconversion of insect resources for sustainability

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