Oecophylla smaragdina (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and Odontotermes sp. (Isoptera: Termitidae) a potential source of antioxidant: the two most preferred edible insects of Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract Antioxidant potential of weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina (adult & brood) and termite Odontotermes sp the two common species insects used as food by tribes Arunachal Pradesh elsewhere in India. Our findings highlight antioxidant these insects. DPPH • scavenging activity IC50 (µg/mL) ranged from 59.56 (weaver adult) to 66.30 (termite). Termite scored higher ABTS •+ (IC50: µg/mL), Ferric reducing power (TPEE µg/g) phenolics (mg GAE/g) (18.70, 36.60 626.92) than adult (52.57, 211.21 369.69) brood (33.34, 114.32 486.04). On other hand, flavonoids RTE/g) (663.43) its (387.19) (58.04). Weaver contained substantial amounts flavonoids, comparatively termite. These may serve an ideal dietary supplement for handling oxidative stress a replacement some conventional products. However, further study is needed find out bioactive compound at individual level.