Nagaland Research Confirms Antibacterial Properties in Traditional Moth Larva

Kohima: A traditional Nagaland delicacy now carries a patent. Dr. Veto Khesoh, an Assistant Professor at St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama, finished doctoral research at Nagaland University proving the antibacterial power of the Lünyi larva. The insect is the larval stage of an oak borer moth.

Khesoh identified the species as Chinocossus acronyctoides. He used morphological examination and DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene to confirm the identity. The researcher deposited the DNA sequence into the National Center for Biotechnology Information GenBank database under accession number PP358253. Phylogenetic analysis proves the species is closely related to other Asian cossid moths, with populations also existing in China and Vietnam.

The study utilized Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry to analyze volatile organic compounds within the larvae. These tests identified several naturally occurring fatty compounds. Laboratory trials showed these extracts kill Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. This opens doors for future antimicrobial drug development.

Dr. Prabhakar Maddela supervised the work at the Nagaland University Department of Chemistry. The team published their results in an international scientific journal. "The study highlights the scientific and biotechnological potential of indigenous biological resources," the research noted. This work turns a local snack into a major discovery for natural product chemistry.