Medicinal insects: a promising biological resource for human health and potential pharmaceutical applications

Abstract

Medicinal insects represent a valuable and still largely underexplored source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential for human health. Traditionally used in various cultural pharmacopeias, these insects are now drawing an increasing interest in pharmacological and biomedical research communities. Most medicinal insects belong to the orders Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Diptera, Blattoptera, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera. This review highlights key insect species with therapeutic relevance, exploring their roles in traditional medicine, the bioactive compounds they produce, and their emerging applications in modern healthcare, starting with a focus on Africa continent and expanding to a global perspective. Recent pharmacological advances have enabled the isolation of compounds with anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and immunomodulatory effects, providing promising avenues for drug discovery and human health improvement. The review also discusses key challenges. It advocates for intensified multidisciplinary research to unlock new therapeutic pathways while promoting more resilient and biodiversity-conscious health models.