TRADITIONAL ZOO-THERAPEUTICAL IMPORTANCE OF THE MEDICINAL WEAVER ANT OECOPHYLLA SMARAGDINA
The aim of the present review is to assess the traditional importance of medicinal ants especially Oecophylla smaragdina. Insect based traditional knowledge in food, medicine, nutritional and commercial usage are still lacking. The edible weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina which is used as food and medicine from ancient times in various counties like Africa, Australia, China, India, Thailand etc. The pupa, larva and whole body of the ant have proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. High levels of PUFA present in the ant especially omega 3 fatty acid have many nutritional and medicinal valve. The ant has been used in traditional medicine to cure various diseases like tetanic fever, ear pain, high fever, malarial fever, aphrodisiac, antibacterial, rheumatism etc. In the recent days biochemical and pharmacological investigations are being increasing to prove the medicinal importance of the ant