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dc.contributor.authorAyieko, Monica A.
dc.contributor.authorKinyuru, J.N.
dc.contributor.authorNdong’a, M.F.
dc.contributor.authorKenji, G.M.
dc.date.accessioned2018-01-16T13:08:29Z
dc.date.available2018-01-16T13:08:29Z
dc.date.issued2012
dc.identifier.issnhttp://www.airitilibrary.com
dc.identifier.urihttp://62.24.102.115:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1184
dc.description.abstractThe edible insects of the Lake Victoria region which provided food and medicine, have suffered the effects of mismanaged environment. Our case study of Carebara vidua Smith (black ant) which is an endangered insect currently threatened with extinction due to human’s activities, have provided unique source of protein and medicinal value. C. vidua is an endangered species of Heminoptera. This paper discusses the nutritional value and medicinal potential of the black ant. It is one of the most sought after edible insects because of its nutritional and medicinal value. The samples were collected from Kisumu and Siaya counties along the Lake Victoria region. Standard nutrient analysis methods were used to determine the nutritional value. The insect has between 39.79 to 44.64% protein and about 42.07 to 49.77% fat content depending on the body part. The insect is also rich in iron, zinc, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. From the fatty acid profile, the edible insects recorded high content of Palmitic, Oleic and Linoleic acids. No Linolenic acid was found in the samples analysed. The elderly Luos of Kenya collect and consume the black ants to manage several body ailments probably due to the essential nutrients found in the insect. C. vidua Smith is fairly similar to Polyrhachis vicina Roger in China which has been processed and commercialised as medicinal to manage several chronic diseases. Further research is needed to highlight the potential medicinal value of C. vidua Smith in Kenya and to save the insect from total disappearance.en_US
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherAiriti libraryen_US
dc.subjectBlack antsen_US
dc.subjectCarebara viduaen_US
dc.subjectEdible insectsen_US
dc.subjectEthnomedicineen_US
dc.subjectNutritional valueen_US
dc.titleNutritional value and consumption of black ants (Carebara vidua Smith) from the Lake Victoria region in Kenya.en_US
dc.typeArticleen_US


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