Edible caterpillars (<i>Gonimbrasia belina</i> and <i>Gynanisa maja</i>) as emerging source of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

ABSTRACT: Globally, despite the commercial and cultural importance of edible caterpillars (Gynanisa maja and Gonimbrasia belina), comprehensive information on their dietary and therapeutic benefits has not been fully explored. The study was aimed at evaluating the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds profile of two important edible caterpillars (Gonimbrasia belina and Gynanisa maja) in Africa. Our results demonstrated that G. belina and G. maja are capable of amplifying host plant protein (17 %) by 4.3-folds [72.8 %] and 3.6-folds [61.3 %], respectively. Lysine (32.6 mg/g), methionine (12.5-27.1 mg/g) and valine (7.7-25.4 mg/g) value were significantly harnessed. Substantial amounts of ω-3 fatty acids (methyl 5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosapentaenoate an

SUBMITTER: Tanga CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11649843 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature