A Systematic Review of the Bioactive Components, Nutritional Qualities and Potential Therapeutic Applications of Donkey Milk.
- Journal Article
- Review
- Systematic Review
Summary
The research article discusses the nutritional properties and potential therapeutic uses of donkey milk (DM), which is shown to have high protein and lactose content, low fat concentration, and bioactive compounds which contribute to overall health.
Composition and Bioactive Compounds of Donkey Milk
This section of the review summarises the existing knowledge on the nutritional composition and bioactive compounds found in donkey milk (DM).
- The bioactive compounds found in DM, such as proteins and lactose, are influenced by the current lactation status of the donkey.
- DM is known for its high protein and lactose content and low-fat concentration.
- The components of DM offer nutrient-richness and have immunomodulatory properties, which means they can regulate or normalize the immune system.
Manufacturing of Donkey Milk-based Food Products
The researchers delve into how DM is used in the production of various food items.
- DM is being used to manufacture various dairy products like cheese, ice cream, milk powder, fermented beverages.
- These products are designed not just for their taste, but also for their potential health benefits.
- DM is promising for its application in preparing infant formulas due to its closeness in composition to human milk.
Therapeutic Applications of Donkey Milk
The review also explores the potential therapeutic applications of DM in human health.
- DM is documented to have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
- DM is also hypoallergenic, making it a suitable alternative to cow’s milk for infants with milk-related allergies.
- The bioactive macromolecules in DM show a marked resistance against bacterial, viral, and fungal effects.
- Moreover, the immunomodulatory properties of DM make it beneficial during health and disease conditions.
Each of these factors, combined with DM’s closeness in composition to human milk, makes it a promising alternative to traditional milk sources. The manufacturing of DM into various food items and its potential therapeutic benefits could broadens its applications in human nutrition and health.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India; Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Hotel Management, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India.
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India. Electronic address: dranu.biotech@gmail.com.
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Equines, Hisar, India.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, School of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, India. Electronic address: harishkanwar3@gmail.com.
MeSH Terms
- Allergens
- Animals
- Antioxidants
- Cattle
- Cattle Diseases
- Equidae
- Female
- Humans
- Milk Hypersensitivity / veterinary
- Milk, Human
- Powders
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Laus F, Laghi L, Bazzano M, Cifone MG, Cinque B, Yang Y, Marchegiani A. Donkey Colostrum and Milk: How Dietary Probiotics Can Affect Metabolomic Profile, Alkaline Sphingomyelinase and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity.. Metabolites 2023 Apr 30;13(5).
- Garhwal R, Bhardwaj A, Sangwan K, Mehra R, Pal Y, Nayan V, Iquebal MA, Jaiswal S, Kumar H. Milk from Halari Donkey Breed: Nutritional Analysis, Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids Profiling.. Foods 2023 Feb 16;12(4).