Ethnomedicinal use and pharmacological potential of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) birds` meat and eggs, and its potential implications on wild quail conservation in Zimbabwe: A review

Abstract

A logical review of literature was conducted on Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) farming, consumption and potential of quail egg constituents for pharmacological use. While there is potential to tap on nutritional and therapeutic benefits from Japanese quail meat and eggs to foster food security and pharmacological improvements, there is no consensus among Zimbabwean communities concerning authenticity of the purported benefits. The role of quail eggs and meat as wealthy nutrient sources and functional foods is undermined. This work examined: nutritional composition and ethnomedicinal benefits of quail meat and eggs, drivers of Japanese quail farming in Zimbabwe, and implications of Japanese quail farming on wild quail conservation. Reviewed literature stated that quail eggs and meat contain nutrient compounds with therapeutic properties useful in prevention and treatment of various diseases including cardiovascular diseases. Japanese quail is regarded as an important agricultural bird for meat and egg production motivated by nutritional and medicinal benefits in many parts of the world. Japanese quail farming is also described as a cost effective poultry enterprise due to lower production cost requirements. However, some quail farming and harvesting practices may be incompatible with ecosystem integrity and threaten wild quail conservation. Conclusively, Japanese quail consumption may benefit human health and present a practical solution to protein shortages in developing countries. Information generated by this work is important in demystifying controversies surrounding Japanese quail farming in Zimbabwe. Characterization of bioactive compounds in Japanese quail eggs and meat to describe their physiological mechanism for disease curing is recommended.

Keywords

• conservation
• ethnomedicinal
• food security
• functional food
• nutritional value
• therapeutic