Medical Applications of Insects: A Global Perspective with Future Insights and Innovative Ideas

• Authors: Falah Hasan Obayes AL-Khikani , Saadi M. Hilal , Aalae Salman Ayit
• Languages of publication: EN

Abstracts

EN

Insects are emerging as vital tools in medical science, blending sustainability with efficacy across therapeutic, diagnostic, and pharmaceutical realms. This review explores their historical and current uses, such as maggot debridement therapy (MDT) with Lucilia sericata for chronic wounds, venom-derived drugs from bees and wasps, and chitin-based biomaterials from insect exoskeletons. MDT removes necrotic tissue and fights resistant bacteria, while venom peptides like melittin offer antimicrobial and anticancer benefits. Chitin enhances drug delivery and tissue repair, showcasing insects’ diverse potential. Globally, silkworm peptides in Asia treat diabetes, African termite remedies address respiratory issues, and Western MDT and venom research thrive. Challenges like regulatory delays and public aversion persist, yet future prospects are bright. Bioengineering could scale insect compounds, venom variability might enable personalized medicine, and insect-inspired nanotechnology could advance diagnostics. Entomophagy may prevent chronic diseases through nutrition. These innovations merge tradition with technology, demanding interdisciplinary research. Ethical issues, including insect welfare and environmental sustainability, require attention. This review champions insects’ integration into global healthcare, urging rigorous study and acceptance.

Keywords

EN

Entomotherapy; Insects; Maggot debridement therapy; venom derived drugs

Discipline

• MEDICINE: MEDICINE

• Publisher: Scientific Publishing House „DARWIN”
• Journal: World News of Natural Sciences
• Year: 2025
• Volume: 60
• Pages: 205-216

Contributors

author

Falah Hasan Obayes AL-Khikani

• Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq

author

Saadi M. Hilal

• Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq

author

Aalae Salman Ayit

• Department of Microbiology, Al-Shomali General Hospital, Babylon Health Directorate, Babylon, Iraq

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• Document Type: article