Mineral contents and secondary metabolites of southern African alate termites (Macrotermes subhylanus)

Le résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Essential minerals and secondary metabolites in plant foods have been extensively investigated due to their beneficial biological properties. However, the information on minerals and natural polyphenol compounds in insects remains severely limited. Therefore, the current study sought to analyse the mineral content and quantify the secondary metabolites in southern African alate termites of the genus Macrotermes subhylanus . The mineral analysis was done using Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, and metabolites were examined by Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results of the macroelement analysis indicate that alate termites contain a higher level of phosphorus (3.611 mg/g). Further analysis revealed a higher sodium concentration (1.499 mg/g), followed by potassium (1.099 mg/g) and calcium (0.996 mg/g), respectively. Additionally, manganese (8.922 mg/g) was the most abundant microelement, followed by zinc and copper, respectively. The current study also highlighted the presence of a significant amount of secondary metabolites. LC-MS analysis identified 78 compounds, of which 13 compounds were unknown. Among the metabolite classes discovered, alkaloids showed the most remarkable diversity, with 9 classes accounting for 14 of the total compounds, followed by amino acids and derivatives with 8 classes and fatty acid derivatives with 5 classes, respectively. Metabolites such as azelaic acid, 9,12,13-TriHOME, dihydroxypropoxy]-9-oxononanoic acid, suberic acid, Pandangolide 1a, 2-hydroxydecanedioic acid, butyl lactate, (Z)-3-hexenyl beta- d -glucopyranoside, and 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid appear to be the most synthesised metabolites in alate termites. These findings suggest that alate termites of the genus M. subhylanus can be employed as a valuable food/feed source with excellent essential minerals and therapeutic properties.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.