Insights on Health and Food Applications of Equus asinus (Donkey) Milk Bioactive Proteins and Peptides—An Overview

Abstract

Due to its similarity with human milk and its low allergenic properties, donkey milk has long been used as an alternative for infants and patients with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). In addition, this milk is attracting growing interest in human nutrition because of presumed health benefits. It has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumoral, antiproliferative and antidiabetic activity. In addition, it stimulates the immune system, regulates the gastrointestinal flora, and prevents inflammatory diseases. Although all donkey milk components can contribute to functional and nutritional effects, it is generally accepted that the whey protein fraction plays a significant role. This review aims to highlight the active proteins and peptides of donkey milk in comparison with other types of milk, emphasizing their properties and their roles in different fields of health and food applications.

Characteristics of milk from different species of farm animals with special emphasis on health-promoting ingredients

“…In addition to their obvious nutritional value, milk proteins and their decomposition products serve numerous biological functions. Casein is the most useful protein for the synthesis of hemoglobin and blood plasma pro- Park et al 2007, Giambra et al 2014, Kapadiya et al 2016, Temerbayeva et al 2018, Khalifa and Zakaria 2019, Numpaque et al 2019, Soliman and Shehata 2019, Vianna et al 2019, da Silva et al 2020, Faccia et al 2020, Derdak et al 2020, Garau et al 2021. Król et al 2011, Kuczyńska et al 2013, Bučević-Popović et al 2014, Piovesana et al 2015, Beghelli et al 2016, Al-Asmari et al 2017, Arab et al 2017, Ayyash et al 2017, Brodziak et al 2017, Homayouni-Tabrizi et al 2017, Khan et al 2019, Yilmaz-Ersan et al 2018, Mercha et al 2019, Bulca and Güvenç 2020 teins in mammalian organisms.…”

Nutritional Properties of Camelids and Equids Fresh and Fermented Milk

“…Fermented milk shows many important advantages, some are as follows: it represents an easy method to preserve milk; and fermentation improves milk's digestibility and provides a different functional food for human consumption. The first studies investigating on the health benefits of fermented milks declared that people with high per head consumption of fermented milks lived longer [82]. The suggested reason given by the author was the colonization of the human gastrointestinal tract, performed by the lactic acid bacteria present in the fermented beverage, decreasing consequently the 'putrefaction' caused by the pathogenic bacteria [83].…”

In-Vitro Investigation of Donkey Milk Efficacy Against Standard Staphylococcus Aureus Strains

“…Milk has also been an essential component of human nutrition since the domestication of animals, as it provides important nutrients to all mammals and plays a critical role in health. In recent years, the number of individuals suffering from intolerances and allergic reactions arising from cow's milk ingestion has increased, leading to the search for alternative foods [1,2]. The donkey is a member of the Equidae family and has become widespread in Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe with the domestication process that started in 6000 BC.…”

“…Donkey milk is known for its therapeutic properties and has been used since ancient times in the treatment of various diseases such as wound healing, bronchitis, asthma, joint pain, and gastritis. Today, it is also available as a commercial product for people allergic to cow's milk proteins, newborns, and the elderly [1]. The donkey milk used by Hippocrates and Avicenna as a remedy for different diseases or by the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra in her bath to keep her skin soft and moist has been found to be very similar to breast milk, especially in terms of protein profile and lactose content.…”