Nutritional composition of edible wood borer beetle larvae in Kenya.

Exploration of edible insects as sustainable alternative nutrient-dense sources such as nutraceuticals have attracted more and more global attention recently. However, research on wood borer beetles have largely been overlooked. This study assessed the entomo-chemical properties of Titoceres jaspideus (Cerambycidae) and Passalus punctiger (Passalidae), which are widely consumed in many African countries, including Kenya.

Unlocking the Potential of Substrate Quality for the Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Black Soldier Fly against Pathogens.

Globally, antibiotics are facing fierce resistance from multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. There is an urgent need for eco-friendly alternatives. Though insects are important targets for antimicrobial peptides, it has received limited research attention.

Differences in the biochemical content and radical scavenging activity of propolis from different parts of a hive.

Research on stingless bee products has increased in recent years, and of particular interest is propolis because of its biological activities such as antioxidant and antimicrobial. However, there is paucity of information regarding intra-hive variations in the biochemical composition and biofunctional properties of this propolis. In this study, we investigated the phytochemicals and radical scavenging activity (RSA) of propolis from 10 wooden hives ( = 49).

Beneficial sterols in selected edible insects and their associated antibacterial activities.

Edible insects are increasingly gaining popularity as research reveals multiple benefits. However, the rediscovery of natural products from insects as medicinal agents has received limited attention. This study aimed at evaluating the diversity of sterols in extracts of nine edible insects and potential antibacterial activities.

Potential of Insect Life Stages as Functional Ingredients for Improved Nutrition and Health.

This study aimed to provide information on the nutrients of the edible larval stage of (GC) for the first time, while exploring the potential nutrient content of the pupal life stages of the domestic silkworm (; BM) and the Eri silkworm (; SC). The three insects were analyzed for fatty acids, minerals, proximate composition and vitamins. Among the fatty acids, linoleic, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, was approximately threefold higher in GC than in the silkworms.

Phytochemical composition and bio-functional properties of propolis from Kenya.

There is an increased demand for natural products like propolis, yet little information is available about the chemical composition of African propolis and its bio-functional properties. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to quantify the phytochemicals and determine the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of propolis ( = 59) sourced from various regions in Kenya. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the sampling region had a remarkable impact on the propolis's composition and bio-functional properties.

Characterization of honeys produced by sympatric species of Afrotropical stingless bees (Hymenoptera, Meliponini).

We investigated the effect of bee species identity and harvesting methods on the chemical composition and antiradical activity of 53 honey samples, produced by six stingless bee species in western Kenya (Kakamega forest). Our results illustrate that none of the assayed parameters significantly varied between the honey samples harvested by "punching holes" (n = 25) and "squeezing" (n = 28) methods. By contrast, species identity drove significant differences in the assayed parameters.

Bioactive constituents, radical scavenging and antibacterial activities of selected honey from Kenya.

There is limited information about the relative composition and health benefits of various honey consumed across Africa. This study aimed at estimating the bioactive constituents, radical scavenging and antibacterial activities of 16 kinds of honey obtained from different geographical locations in Kenya. Manuka 5 + honey was included for comparison.