Tenebrio molitor L., entomophagy and processing into ready to use therapeutic ingredients: a review

Abstract

The consumption of insects is known as entomophagy. Edible insects have been consumed for a long time in the traditional diets of many non-Western countries, but in recent times, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognize them as having a high potential to treat malnutrition and food shortages without requiring large amounts of land or infrastructure. The larvae of Tenebrio Molitor L., the mealworm, have been processed to be as high in protein content as fish and meat. They are also fairly high in fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated omega-3 and 6, comparable with the content of fish and higher than in beef and pork. They possess a variety of vitamins and minerals such as: magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphorus, selenium and zinc as well as, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and biotin. These qualities would make them a possible food ingredient in the US (based on current novelty trends) if US consumers would acknowledge and learn to accept insect-based products. In areas where insects are a traditional part of the diet, processed mealworms can be used as a successful ingredient in emergency relief meals.

Defatted Tenebrio molitor Larva Fermentation Extract Modifies Steatosis, Inflammation and Intestinal Microflora in Chronic Alcohol-Fed Rats

“…Tenebrio molitor larva, as known as mealworm, appears to be a sustainable alternative protein source [ 14 ]. The mealworm is also rich in essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and biotin [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Previous studies reported that the Tenebrio molitor larvae possess pharmacological properties, such as anti-Alzheimer’s disease [ 18 ], anti-obesity [ 19 ], anticancer [ 20 ], anti-osteoporosis [ 21 ], anti-oxidation [ 22 ], and anti-inflammation activities [ 22 ].…”

Effects of Mealworm Fermentation Extract and Soy Protein Mix Ratio on Hepatic Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Obese-Induced Mice

“…Tenebrio molitor larva (mealworm) is a nutritious edible insect that provides essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, and vitamins ( Feng, 2018 ). Gessner et al (2019) reported that isonitrogenous substitution of 50% and 100% of casein with mealworm meal had lipid-lowering benefits in a hyperlipidemic rat model.…”

Mealworm Ethanol Extract Enhances Myogenic Differentiation and Alleviates Dexamethasone-Induced Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Cells

“…Mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor larva), an edible insect, has attracted interest as a potential protein supplement because of its high content of beneficial nutrients, including essential amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, and vitamins [ 9 ]. Kim et al [ 10 ] have reported that mealworm protein hydrolysate prepared with alcalase and flavorzyme is easily digested and absorbed, and it has potential as a protein source for preventing sarcopenia.…”