Insect biodiversity of medicinal value

O. Lukhoi Singh*^a
*aDepartment of Zoology, Nambol L. Sanoi College, Nambol, Manipur. India
Received , 20^th November, 2014; Revised: 20^th December, 2014

Abstract : Manipur state located in the easternmost boundary of Indian Union where the hotspot of the Internationally recognised biodiversity has been identified as Indo-Myanmar boarder hotspot region. Insects of various economic values in terms of food, medicinal, biological control, pest and nevertheless the maintenance of economic balance are remarkable there. The predominance of insect fauna is Insect order-Lepidoptera and the next predominant Insect fauna is order- Coleoptera so far the available relevant literatures concerned. These available insects in this region give economic values to the inhabitants since time immemorial. Within the economic values of insects, the medicinal value is remarkable for the natives who are living apart of modern medical facilities. The insects under ethno entomology includes Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Diptera . The natives used to consume or medicinally use these insects with the advice of the local physicians and elder persons. For example, larvae and pupae of Bombyx mori for bronchitis or pneumonia; Lethocercus indicus (Belostoma species) and Hydrophidae species are used for revival of lost of appetite; Bed bug (Cimex species) is used for relief of pain and inflammation happening to the leg fingers due to the nail inserting or other injuries; Mud from the inner part of white ants (termites) nest is used for curing of inflammation on the body; Honey , larvae and pupae of Apis species are used for various aspects of health like ailment of alimentary tract, relief of gastric trouble, mental relief and so on. Even though insects covered 90% of the whole animal population, the economic and medicinally valued insect species are to be conserved in order to meet the future requirements in terms of nutrition, medicinal and balancing of environment for the enormous increase in population of human.