Bioactive natural products in donkey and camel milk: a perspective review

ABSTRACT:

Mammalian milk has numerous components that exhibit chemical and functional activities. They support human homeostasis. Immunoglobulins, peptides with antibacterial and antimicrobial activities, carbohydrates, lipids, and minor molecules have positive effects on health. Beyond the nutritional values of milk, milk-borne biologically active compounds such as proteins and other minor constituents exhibit essential physiological and biochemical functions. Human milk guarantees a healthy development and improves immunity. It is hypoallergenic. Sometimes, it is necessary to substitute this food with other milk for different reasons. Cow, sheep, goat, camel and donkey milk are natural alternatives. We evaluated the different compounds within donkey and camel milk analysing their biomolecular characteristics and potential benefits for human health. Camel and donkey milk bioactive products could be good candidates for controlling several diseases and excellent substitutes in the case of milk protein allergies in infants. However, more research should be conducted to further evaluate their nutraceutical potential.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Milk
• donkey milk
• camel milk
• bioactive component
• health

Disclosure statement

None of the authors have any conflict of interests to declare.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.