Abstract

Ethnomedicinal knowledge forms an integral part of traditional healthcare systems among indigenous communities, particularly in biodiversity rich regions of India. The present study documents the ethnomedicinal practices involving arthropods among tribal communities of Koraput district, Odisha, India. Structured interviews, participatory observations, and conversations with knowledgeable elders and local healers were used to gather data. A total of seven arthropod species belonging to the phylum Arthropoda were recorded, including insects and arachnids such as red ants (Solenopsis sp.), praying mantis (Mantis religiosa), house cricket (Acheta domesticus), mole cricket (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa), cockroach (Periplaneta americana), honey bee (Apis cerana), and scorpion (Palamnaeus swammerdami). Various body parts, including the head, abdomen, cocoon with larvae, and whole body, were used either orally or topically to treat ailments such as wounds, cold and cough, otorrhoea, pain, intestinal disorders, respiratory tract infections, gastric ulcers, and piles. Preparation methods ranged from grinding, boiling, frying, burning, to ash formation, often mixed with water, edible oil, or coconut oil. Quantitative ethnobiological indices such as Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Fidelity Level (FL) indicated a high degree of consensus among informants, especially for house cricket used for pain (RFC 0.98; FL 97.29) and red ant for cold, cough, and wound healing. Both cultural beliefs and the availability of local bioresources are reflected in the ongoing reliance on arthropods. This study emphasises the need to preserve traditional knowledge and the therapeutic value of arthropods in indigenous medicine. The development of novel bioactive compounds and sustainable healthcare alternatives may benefit from scientific validation of these practices.

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