ARTICLE Alternative Proteins Magazine April 2024 51 assays and in vivo models, either as extracts from the whole insect or as isolated compounds. ANTIOXIDATIVE ACTIVITY Oxidative stress is a physiological imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of the body to detoxify them or repair the resulting damage. Essentially, it occurs when there's an overabundance of these harmful molecules compared to the body's antioxidant defenses. ROS are highly reactive molecules containing oxygen, such as superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radicals, which can damage cells, proteins, and DNA if not neutralized. It is considered that the eating habits of insects have a significant influence on antioxidative activity of their meals. Luckily, the commercially available edible insects which have vegetarian dietary habits endowed the highest antioxidant capacity in vivo test which were aiming on activity of radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Both approved species from the family Tenebrionidae, yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor and buffalo mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus can play an important role in the prevention of oxidative stress-related diseases. Inclusion of T. molitor insect meal in the pig diet containing suitable levels of antioxidants, like vitamin E and selenium. In vitro tests showed increased activity of important antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPX and SOD) in liver and gastrocnemius muscles of growing pigs. ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY The anti-inflammatory activity of insect meals refers to their ability to reduce inflammation within the body. Inflammation is a natural response by the immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to various diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Insects, particularly from the order Orthoptera (Grylloides genus) have bioactive compounds, which have been studied for their potential to mitigate inflammation. These bioactive compounds belong to the group of peptides and various fatty acids. Research suggests that certain edible insects, when consumed as part of the diet, may exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms within the animal body are divided into several groups: • Modulation of immune cells: Certain compounds in insect meals may modulate the activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, involved in the inflammatory response. By regulating immune cell function, insect meals can help maintain immune homeostasis and reduce excessive inflammation.
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