Colostrum and Lactoferrin Protect against Side Effects of Therapy with Antibiotics, Anti-inflammatory Drugs and Steroids, and Psychophysical Stress: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

In this article, we review the benefits of applying bovine colostrum (BC) and lactoferrin (LF) in animal models and clinical trials that include corticosteroid application and psychic stress, treatment with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics. A majority of the reported investigations were performed with native bovine or recombinant human LF, applied alone or in combination with probiotics, as nutraceutics and diet supplements. Apart from reducing adverse side effects of the applied therapeutics, BC and LF augmented their efficacy and improved the wellness of patients. In conclusion, LF and complete native colostrum, preferably administered with probiotic bacteria, are highly recommended for inclusion in therapeutic protocols in NSAIDs and corticosteroid anti-inflammatory, as well as antibiotic, therapies. These colostrum-based products can also be of value for individuals subjected to prolonged psychophysical stress (mediated by endogenous corticosteroids), especially at high ambient temperatures (soldiers and emergency services), as well as physically active people and training athletes. They are also recommended for patients during recovery from trauma and surgery, which are always associated with severe psychophysical stress.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Peptides from Ruditapes philippinarum in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced RAW264.7 Cells and Mice

“…Currently, the agents widely used to treat inflammation are antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and immunosuppressants. Nevertheless, these medications are accompanied by serious adverse effects, such as reduced immune cells, damage to the digestive tract, and nephrotoxicity, and thus, limit their wide application for chronic or prophylactic use [ 7 , 8 , 9 ]. Consequently, in recent years, the acquisition of anti-inflammatory components (e.g., polysaccharides, alkaloids, and bioactive peptides) from naturally occurring diets has received growing focus due to their safety and non-toxicity [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Enhancement of cell migration and wound healing by nano-herb ointment formulated with biosurfactant, silver nanoparticles and Tridax procumbens

“…Wound healing involves many biochemical events to repair and restore the damaged tissues through antioxidant defenses, epithelization, and remodeling phases ( Cano Sanchez et al, 2018 ; Masson-Meyers et al, 2020 ). Several treatment options, including nonsteroidal, analgesics, commercial antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs, are available for wound healing, but many of these therapies lead to undesirable side effects ( Shenoy et al, 2011 ; Artym and Zimecki, 2023 ).…”