Unveiling the therapeutic potential of insect-derived natural products for drug discovery

Background

The recent FDA-approved Ycanth (cantharidin) for treating Molluscum contagiosum, a viral skin infection, was first reported from blister beetles. Medicinal insects are reservoirs for exploring bioactive molecules, which have various benefits. Their use in traditional medicinal practices explains why uncovering new chemical substances is worthwhile.

Main body of the abstract

Insect-derived natural products with diverse and unique structures are significant for drug discovery and development potential. Various natural products are reported from insect sources; in this context, it also emphasizes the importance of active global participation among researchers, as it offers significant potential for developing a sustainable approach to why this should not remain untouched for ever-increasing unmet challenges.

Conclusion

Hence, practitioners in natural product chemistry and allied disciplines have a role in understating the enormous potential of discovering bioactive metabolites for their medicinal value to human health.