Nutritional and Ethno-medicinal Insights into Freshwater Snail, Brotia costula (Rafinesque, 1833): Consumer Perceptions and Functional Food Potential in Manipur, India

Abstract

This study investigates the nutritional, ethno-medicinal, and socioeconomic relevance of Brotia costula, a freshwater snail species widely consumed in Manipur, India. A community-based survey involving 300 respondents across six districts assessed traditional knowledge, consumption patterns, and perceptions of value addition. A mixed-method approach consisting of structured questionnaires and verbal interviews was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. This study revealed that 72.67% of consumers were aware of the snail’s traditional medicinal uses mainly for wound healing, skin infections, and bone-related ailments while only 12.67% recognized its potential for value-added applications such as calcium supplements. B. costula are known to have high protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and bioactive compounds of medicinal importance however, this snails remains underutilized in both food systems and healthcare sectors. This study highlight that there is potential for sustainable utilization through capacity-building initiatives and integration into the One Health framework. This study recommends community-level training and awareness programs to enhance the value addition and commercialization of this traditionally and culturally important snail, B. costula. This study also contributes to bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and scientific validation, thereby promoting B. costula as a functional food resource with both cultural and economic potential.