Journal of Biology and Nature

Entomotherapy, the medicinal use of insects, has deep roots in traditional practices but remains scientifically underexplored. Edible insects including aquatic insects are known to be rich in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and medicinally important bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Traditionally in Manipur, India, indigenous communities consume Cybister tripunctatus to treat fever, digestive disorders, and inflammation, mainly through roasting or frying. However, detailed studies on its biochemical composition and pharmacological potential are very limited, leaving its ethno-medicinal value mostly unvalidated scientifically. This study investigated the bioactive metabolite profile of the edible beetle C. tripunctatus, traditionally consumed and used in folk medicine in Manipur, India. GC-MS and LC-MS analyses revealed the presence of several pharmacologically important bioactive compounds such as n-hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, heneicosane, pentanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-, 2,4-di-t-butylphenyl esters, 2-methylhexacosane, 11-amino-undecanoic acid, thiamylal, tricosane, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-,methyl ester, tetracosane, and laurolitsine. These bioactive metabolites are associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and anticancer properties. The findings provide the preliminary scientific validation of the ethno-medicinal significance of C. tripunctatus and underscore its potential as a nutraceutical and natural therapeutic resource. Further bioassays and molecular studies are necessary to confirm its pharmaceutical applications and promote its integration into modern healthcare and functional food systems.