Classification, chemical composition and therapeutic properties of termite species- a review

Abstract

Constituents from plants, microorganisms and marine species have since long been recognized as important sources of bioactive substances. This has led to the development of a large variety of drugs to treat human diseases such as, among others, a number of antimalarial, anti-cancer, hypoglycemic, cardiovascular, antibiotic, and antineoplastic agents and also holding to their traditional uses. More recently, about 3,106 living and fossil termite species were recognized and classified into 12 families and the amazing biodiversity represented by the myriad of these termites and other insect species has been realized to produce an equally exceptional source of bioactive chemicals with therapeutic potential. Many of these chemical compositions serve as highly effective defensive and predatory chemicals which some of these chemicals possess meaningful pharmacological properties; they represent interesting candidates for new drug discovery and development programs. A few examples are chemical composition with, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, cytotoxicity, antigenotoxic or anti-ulcer qualities. This paper is a compilation of the chemical composition of some Termite species assessing its therapeutic properties.