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Edible and medicinal termites: a global overview.

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Termites are valuable natural resources, utilized globally for food, livestock feed, and traditional medicine. This review identified 45 species used worldwide, highlighting their potential as alternative protein and medicinal sources.

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Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Ethnobotany
  • Food Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Termites are primarily recognized for their destructive impact on human structures.
  • However, these insects are crucial decomposers in tropical ecosystems and hold significant value as natural resources.
  • Termite consumption and medicinal uses are prevalent in various global populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compile a comprehensive catalog of termite species utilized by humans globally.
  • To characterize the specific uses of these termite species by different human populations.
  • To assess the potential of termites as food, feed, and medicinal resources.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted an extensive literature review to identify and catalogue termite species.
  • Documented and categorized the reported human uses of identified termite species.
  • Mapped the geographical distribution of termite utilization across continents.

Main Results:

  • A total of 45 termite species from four families are documented for human use worldwide.
  • 43 species are used for human consumption and/or livestock feed, while nine species have therapeutic applications.
  • Termite utilization is recorded in 29 countries across Africa, America, and Asia, with Africa having the most records.

Conclusions:

  • Termites possess significant ecological importance and are valuable food and medicinal resources for diverse human populations.
  • Termites demonstrate considerable potential as an alternative protein source for human and livestock diets.
  • Further research into termite species may yield novel pharmaceutical compounds and sustainable food solutions.