The Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Camel Milk

Enhanced oral bioavailability and in vitro evaluation of cannabidiol camel milk-derived exosome formulation in resistant MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells

The potential of camel milk-derived exosomes (CMDE) to enhance the bioavailability of Cannabidiol (CBD) was investigated. CBD-CMDE formulation was prepared using an established procedure and its particle size was 138.4 ± 4.37 nm, and CBD entrapment efficiency of 56.56 ± 4.26 %. In-vitro release studies showed release of 78.27 ± 5.37 % and 46.42 ± 4.75 % CBD from CMDE and control CBD formulation respectively in pH 6.8 at 24 hr. The apparent permeability (Papp) of CBD-CMDE was found to be enhanced by 3.95-fold with Papp of 22.9*10-6 ± 0.34 cm/sec as compared to control CBD formulation with Papp of 5.8*10-6 ± 0.65 cm/sec in MDCK cells. CBD-CMDE was found to be more potent than CBD in 2D cytotoxicity assay with IC50 values of 3.6 ± 0.54 µM, 3.88 ± 0.54 µM and 7.53 ± 0.59 µM, 7.53 ± 0.59 µM against Doxorubicin (DOX) resistant MDA-MB-231 and Rapamycin (RM) resistant MDA-MB-468 breast cancer cells respectively. Moreover, 3D spheroids assay results demonstrated CBD-CMDE with IC50 values of 14 ± 0.85 µM, 15 ± 0.07 µM as compared to CBD alone with IC50 values of 25 ± 0.93 µM, 34.7 ± 0.08 µM in MDA-MB-231 DOX RT cells and MDA-MB-468 RM RT cells respectively. In-vivo PK studies showed enhanced bioavailability of CBD from CBD-exosomes with AUC(0-24h) of 1350.56 ± 187.50 h.ng/mL as compared to CBD control formulation with AUC(0-24h) of 351.95 ± 39.10 h.ng/mL with a single oral dose of 12 mg/kg. The data indicate that CMDE significantly improved the oral bioavailability of CBD. Overall, CMDE can be used to enhance the oral absorption of poorly bioavailable APIs.

Camel milk polar lipids ameliorate dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by modulating the gut microbiota

Milk contains abundant polar lipids, which are vital constituents of biological membranes. These polar lipids are present in the human diet as phospholipids and sphingolipids. Nevertheless, the limited focus has been on the attributes and role of camel milk polar lipids (MPL). In this study, camel MPL were isolated, and the composition of their lipidome was determined using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem MS. This study characterized a total of 333 polar lipids, which encompassed glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. Camel milk is rich in polar lipids, mainly phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylcholine. The results indicated that MPL intervention relieved the clinical symptoms and colon tissue damage in mice with dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis, along with suppressing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, the administration of MPL partially alleviated mouse gut microbiota dysbiosis by increasing the abundance of probiotics (such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Muribaculaceae) and decreasing the number of harmful bacteria (such as Bacteroides and Parabacteroides). This study was conducted to investigate the potent protective effects of MPL in camel milk treatments on a mouse model of colitis and provided new ideas for the application of camel milk.

Gastrointestinal digestion of food proteins: Anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory mechanisms of the derived peptides

Food proteins and their peptides play a significant role in the important biological processes and physiological functions of the body. The peptides show diverse biological benefits ranging from anticancer to antihypertensive, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory, among others. In this review, an overview of food protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract and the mechanisms involved was presented. As some proteins remain resistant and undigested, the multifarious factors (e.g. protein type and structure, microbial composition, pH levels and redox potential, host factors, etc.) affecting their colonic fermentation, the derived peptides, and amino acids that evade intestinal digestion are thus considered. The section that follows focuses on the mechanisms of the peptides with anticancer, antihypertensive, anti-obesity, and immunomodulatory effects. As further considerations were made, it is concluded that clinical studies targeting a clear understanding of the gastrointestinal stability, bioavailability, and safety of food-based peptides are still warranted.

Enrichment of milk antioxidant activity by dietary supplementation of red clover isoflavone in cows and its improvement on mice intestinal health

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavone was supplemented to dairy cows, and antioxidant capacity of milk was assessed. Treated cows increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, reduced production of oxidation products, and enhanced the concentrations of vitamin E and vitamin C. Moreover, milk fatty acid profile was positive influenced by 8 g/kg red clover isoflavone, with changes in the lower saturated and higher unsaturated fatty acids. We further demonstrated the efficacy of antioxidant capacity of milk in mice, found that milk from cows feeding red clover isoflavone increased the expressions of antioxidant enzymes, and alleviated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated tissue damage of duodenum and jejunum, which was related to upregulated metabolism pathways of carbohydrate, lipid, and amino acid, as well as downregulated inflammatory related pathways. Together, dietary supplementation of red clover isoflavone is an effective way to improve milk antioxidant capacity, providing a natural strategy for developing functional foods.

Common proteins analysis of different mammals' mature milk by 4D-Label-Free

The milk proteins from samples of 13 different animals were identified utilizing 4D-Label-Free proteomics technology, leading to the identification of a substantial number of proteins. Among the various samples, Chinese people (CHP) milk proteins exhibited the highest count, with 1149 distinct proteins. Simultaneously, we identified common proteins present in these animal milk. It's notable presence in goat milk contributes to enhancing infant infection resistance, showcasing the beneficial role of lactoperoxidase. Galectin-3 binding protein (Gal-3BP) and tetraspanin in human milk are significantly higher than those in other animals, which determine the prominent antiviral effect of human milk and the important processes related to cell transduction. Furthermore, human milk, camel milk, goat milk and sheep milk proved to be rich sources of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) proteins. The insights obtained from this study can serve as a foundational framework for exploring the role of different animal milk proteins in disease treatment and the composition of infant formula.

Whey protein-loaded 3D-printed poly (lactic) acid scaffolds for wound dressing applications

Chronic skin wounds pose a global clinical challenge, necessitating effective treatment strategies. This study explores the potential of 3D printed Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) scaffolds, enhanced with Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC) at varying concentrations (25, 35, and 50% wt), for wound healing applications. PLA's biocompatibility, biodegradability, and thermal stability make it an ideal material for medical applications. The addition of WPC aims to mimic the skin's extracellular matrix and enhance the bioactivity of the PLA scaffolds. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy results confirmed the successful loading of WPC into the 3D printed PLA-based scaffolds. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealed no significant differences in pore size between PLA/WPC scaffolds and pure PLA scaffolds. Mechanical strength tests showed similar tensile strength between pure PLA and PLA with 50% WPC scaffolds. However, scaffolds with lower WPC concentrations displayed reduced tensile strength. Notably, all PLA/WPC scaffolds exhibited increased strain at break compared to pure PLA. Swelling capacity was highest in PLA with 25% WPC, approximately 130% higher than pure PLA. Scaffolds with higher WPC concentrations also showed increased swelling and degradation rates. Drug release was found to be prolonged with increasing WPC concentration. After seven days of incubation, cell viability significantly increased in PLA with 50% WPC scaffolds compared to pure PLA scaffolds. This innovative approach could pave the way for personalized wound care strategies, offering tailored treatments and targeted drug delivery. However, further studies are needed to optimize the properties of these scaffolds and validate their effectiveness in clinical settings.

Impact of cow, buffalo, goat or camel milk consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation and immune response post weaning time

Milk is a whitish liquid that is secreted from mammary glands; and considered as the primary source of nutrition for newborns since they are not able to digest solid food. However, it contains primary nutrients, as well as growth and immune factors. Early weaning is a critical issue that face women and their babies in developing countries. To avoid infant malnutrition, they tend to use other milk types instead of baby formula. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the impact of cow, buffalo, goat or camel milk consumption on oxidative stress, inflammation and immune response in male and female Sprague Dawley rats post weaning time. The amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins in the tested milk types were evaluated. Animals were divided into 5 groups (control, cow, buffalo, goat and camel milk administrated groups) (10 rats/group); each animal was administrated by 3.4 ml/day. Rats were administered with milk for 6 weeks; at the end of the 5th week, five animals of each group were isolated and the remaining five animals were immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) and kept for another week to mount immune response. The effect of different milk types on rats' immune response towards SRBCs was evaluated through pro-inflammatory cytokines, antioxidants, ESR and CRP measurement; together, with the histopathological examination of spleen samples and hemagglutination assay. Camel milk consumption reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in spleen that resulted from SRBCs immunization; in addition to, B cell stimulation that was apparent from the high level of anti-SRBCs antibodies. Camel milk is recommended for newborn consumption, due to its high-water content, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin C, as well as low lactose and fat content.

Identification of natural antimicrobial peptides mimetic to inhibit Ca2+ influx DDX3X activity for blocking dengue viral infectivity

Viruses are microscopic biological entities that can quickly invade and multiply in a living organism. Each year, over 36,000 people die and nearly 400 million are infected with the dengue virus (DENV). Despite dengue being an endemic disease, no targeted and effective antiviral peptide resource is available against the dengue species. Antiviral peptides (AVPs) have shown tremendous ability to fight against different viruses. Accelerating antiviral drug discovery is crucial, particularly for RNA viruses. DDX3X, a vital cell component, supports viral translation and interacts with TRPV4, regulating viral RNA metabolism and infectivity. Its diverse signaling pathway makes it a potential therapeutic target. Our study focuses on inhibiting viral RNA translation by blocking the activity of the target gene and the TRPV4-mediated Ca2+ cation channel. Six major proteins from camel milk were first extracted and split with the enzyme pepsin. The antiviral properties were then analyzed using online bioinformatics programs, including AVPpred, Meta-iAVP, AMPfun, and ENNAVIA. The stability of the complex was assessed using MD simulation, MM/GBSA, and principal component analysis. Cytotoxicity evaluations were conducted using COPid and ToxinPred. The top ten AVPs, determined by optimal scores, were selected and saved for docking studies with the GalaxyPepDock tools. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the peptides had very short hydrogen bond distances (1.8 to 3.6 Å) near the active site of the target protein. Approximately 76% of the peptide residues were 5-11 amino acids long. Additionally, the identified peptide candidates exhibited desirable properties for potential therapeutic agents, including a net positive charge, moderate toxicity, hydrophilicity, and selectivity. In conclusion, this computational study provides promising insights for discovering peptide-based therapeutic agents against DENV.

Camel milk or silymarin could improve the negative effects that experimentally produced by aflatoxin B1 on rat's male reproductive system

BACKGROUND

Camel milk and silymarin have many different beneficial effects on several animal species. Meanwhile, Aflatoxins are mycotoxins with extraordinary potency that pose major health risks to several animal species. Additionally, it has been documented that aflatoxins harm the reproductive systems of a variety of domestic animals. The present design aimed to investigate the impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on rat body weight and reproductive organs and the ameliorative effects of camel milk and silymarin through measured serum testosterone, testes pathology, and gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testes. A total of sixty mature male Wister white rats, each weighing an average of 83.67 ± 0.21 g, were used. There were six groups created from the rats. Each division had ten rats. The groups were the control (without any treatment), CM (1 ml of camel milk/kg body weight orally), S (20 mg silymarin/kg b. wt. suspension, orally), A (1.4 mg aflatoxin/kg diet), ACM (aflatoxin plus camel milk), and AS (aflatoxin plus silymarin).

RESULTS

The results indicated the positive effects of camel milk and silymarin on growth, reproductive organs, and gene expression of TNF-α, LHR, and StAR with normal testicular architecture. Also, the negative effect of AFB1 on the rat's body weight and reproductive organs, as indicated by low body weight and testosterone concentration, was confirmed by the results of histopathology and gene expression. However, these negative effects were ameliorated by the ingestion of camel milk and silymarin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, camel milk and silymarin could mitigate the negative effect of AFB1 on rat body weight and reproductive organs.

Potential role of camel, mare milk, and their products in inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Milk and dairy products serve as a significant dietary component for people all over the world. Milk is a source of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water that support newborns' growth, development, and physiological processes. Milk contains various essential biological compounds that contribute to overall health and well-being. These compounds are crucial in immune system regulation, bone health, and gut microbiota. Milk and dairy products are primarily from cows, buffalos, goats, and sheep. Recently, there has been a notable increase in camel and mare milk consumption and its associated products due to an increasing attraction to ethnic cuisines and a greater awareness of food biodiversity. Camel and mare milk possess diverse nutritional and therapeutic properties, displaying potential functional foods. Camel milk has been linked to various health advantages, encompassing antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Camel milk has exhibited notable efficacy in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for inflammatory disorders. Nevertheless, although extensively recorded, the potential health benefits of mare's milk have yet to be investigated, including its impact on inflammatory conditions. This article highlights the therapeutic potential of camel and mare milk and its derived products in treating inflammatory rheumatic disorders, specifically focusing on their anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory capabilities. These alternative types of milk, which do not come from cows, offer potential avenues for investigating innovative strategies to regulate and reduce inflammatory conditions.

Lipidomic and proteomic profiling identifies the milk fat globule membrane composition of milk from cows and camels

This study was designed to detect lipidomic and proteomic differences in the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) fractions of cow and camel milk samples. In total, 353 lipid species were detected in these analyses, including 77 PEs, 30 PCs, 28 PIs, 59 SMs, 54 Cers, 13 LPCs, 14 LPEs, 20 PSs, and 4 PGs. These included 54 polar lipid species that differed significantly in abundance between cow and camel milk. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was identified as a core metabolic pathway associated with camel milk composition. Furthermore, 547 proteins exhibiting differential abundance were identified by a label-free proteomics methodology when comparing samples of MFGMfrom camels and cows. Of these proteins, those that differed most in expression between these groups were associated with metabolic pathways, including endoplasmic reticulum activity, endocytosis, and PI3K-Akt signaling. In conclusion, our findings provide a more thorough understanding of the composition of MFGM and its physiological significance, hence offering robust evidence for the potential utilization of camel milk as a nutritional resource in future developments.

Depraved appetite in dromedary camels: Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings

Background

Camels are subjected to a wide variety of nutritional deficiencies as they are largely dependent upon grazing desert plants. As a consequence, the syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is occasionally seen in dromedary camels. The condition is manifested as chewing or eating abnormal things such as wood, dirt, bones, stones, clothes, plastics, mud, sand, or other inanimate objects.

Aim

This study was designed to investigate the clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in dromedary camels with pica or depraved appetite.

Methods

Twenty-five camels of 5 days to 15 years were examined. Owner complaints included depraved appetite, loss of body condition, regurgitation of stomach content, and partial or complete absence of feces. Symptoms described were present for a period varying between 3 days, up to 12 months. The stomach compartments and small and large intestines were scanned using ultrasonography from the right and left sides of the abdomen. Necropsy was carried out on six female and three male camels where the thoracic and abdominal organs were examined with special attention to the digestive system.

Results

The affected animals had a history of gradual loss of body conditions, eating foreign objects, decreased or total absence of feces, and regurgitation of stomach content. Using ultrasound, the foreign body was imaged occluding completely or partially the intestines. Foreign bodies within the rumen could not be visualized with ultrasound. In cases where the rumen is impacted by sand, small pin-points revealing acoustic enhancement were imaged. Foreign bodies were removed from the rumen at exploratory rumenotomy (n = 11), laparotomy (n = 3), or at necropsy (n = 8) in the form of plastics, cloths, sand, mud, wool balls, robes, glasses, or even metallic objects which may be blunt or sharp. Sixteen (64%) of the camels were recovered while the remaining 9 (36%) did not survive.

Conclusion

The syndrome of pica or depraved appetite is an important condition in dromedary resulting in the ingestion of objects other than normal feed. Substantial economic losses are expected as a result of this syndrome. Ultrasonography of the digestive system may help the clinician in some cases to localize of occluding foreign bodies in the intestines, while in the transabdominal scanning of the stomach is valuable only in cases of sand impaction.

Invited review: Camel milk-derived bioactive peptides and diabetes-Molecular view and perspectives

In dairy science, camel milk (CM) constitutes a center of interest for scientists due to its known beneficial effect on diabetes as demonstrated in many in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies and trials. Overall, CM had positive effects on various parameters related to glucose transport and metabolism as well as the structural and functional properties of the pancreatic β-cells and insulin secretion. Thus, CM consumption may help manage diabetes; however, such a recommendation will become rationale and clinically conceivable only if the exact molecular mechanisms and pathways involved at the cellular levels are well understood. Moreover, the application of CM as an alternative antidiabetic tool may first require the identification of the exact bioactive molecules behind such antidiabetic properties. In this review, we describe the advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms reported to be involved in the beneficial effects of CM in managing diabetes using different in vitro and in vivo models. This mainly includes the effects of CM on the different molecular pathways controlling (1) insulin receptor signaling and glucose uptake, (2) the pancreatic β-cell structure and function, and (3) the activity of key metabolic enzymes in glucose metabolism. Moreover, we described the current status of the identification of CM-derived bioactive peptides and their structure-activity relationship study and characterization in the context of molecular markers related to diabetes. Such an overview will not only enrich our scientific knowledge of the plausible mode of action of CM in diabetes but should ultimately rationalize the claim of the potential application of CM against diabetes. This will pave the way toward new directions and ideas for developing a new generation of antidiabetic products taking benefits from the chemical composition of CM.

Camel Milk: Antimicrobial Agents, Fermented Products, and Shelf Life

The camel milk (CM) industry has witnessed a notable expansion in recent years. This expansion is primarily driven by the rising demand for CM and its fermented products. The perceived health and nutritional benefits of these products are mainly responsible for their increasing popularity. The composition of CM can vary significantly due to various factors, including the breed of the camel, its age, the stage of lactation, region, and season. CM contains several beneficial substances, including antimicrobial agents, such as lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin G, lactoperoxidase, and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase, which protect it from contamination by spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, and contribute to its longer shelf life compared to bovine milk (BM). Nevertheless, certain harmful bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica, and Escherichia coli, have been detected in CM, which is a significant public health concern. Therefore, it is crucial to understand and monitor the microbial profile of CM and follow good manufacturing practices to guarantee its safety and quality. This review article explores various aspects of CM, including the types of beneficial and harmful bacteria present in it, the composition of the milk, its antimicrobial properties, its shelf life, and the production of fermented CM products.

Effect of camel milk on lipid profile among patients with diabetes: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

The effects of camel milk (CM) intake on lipid profile among patients with diabetes remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aimed to calculate the effect size of CM intake on blood lipids among patients with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes. We searched nine databases from inception until December 31, 2022, to identify relevant RCTs. Effect sizes for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were calculated and expressed using mean differences (MD) and confidence intervals (CI). Of 4,054 retrieved articles, 10 RCTs (a total of 347 participants aged 8-70 years, 60.5% male) were eligible for inclusion. The pooled results from a random-effects model showed statistically significant decreases in TC (MD - 21.69, 95% CI: 41.05, - 2.33; p = 0.03; I2=99%), TG (MD - 19.79, 95% CI: -36.16, - 3.42; p=0.02, I2=99%), and LDL (MD -11.92, CI: -20.57, -3.26; p = 0.007, I2=88%), and a significant increase in HDL (MD 10.37, 95% CI, 1.90, 18.84; p=0.02, I2=95%) in patients with diabetes supplemented with CM compared with usual care alone. Subgroup analysis revealed that only long-term interventions (> 6 months) elicited a significant reduction in TC levels and TG levels. Consumption of fresh CM by patients with diabetes resulted in significant reductions in TC, TG, and LDL levels, while showing a significant increase in HDL levels. Patients with T1D elicited a more beneficial effect in lowering TC, LDL, and TG levels and in increasing HDL levels than their corresponding partners with T2D. In conclusion, long-term consumption of CM for patients with diabetes, especially those with T1D, could be a useful adjuvant therapy to improve lipid profile alongside prescribed medications. However, the high heterogeneity in the included studies suggests that more RCTs with larger sample sizes and longer intervention durations are required to improve the robustness of the available evidence.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Tarim and Junggar Bactrian Camels Based on Simplified GBS Genome Sequencing

In view of the severe reduction in Bactrian camel germplasm resources, scientific evaluation, protection, and utilization is particularly important. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of this species, and identify the genes that have played important roles in its evolution. In this study, 21,971 SNPs were identified in 118 domestic Bactrian camels from the Tarim (n = 60) and Junggar (n = 58) populations using simplified GBS genome sequencing. The results show that Tarim and Junggar Bactrian camels have high nucleotide diversity. A phylogenetic tree constructed using structural analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and the adjacency method (NJ) showed that Tarim and Junggar Bactrian camels were clustered together. The selection signals revealed that the Tarim and Junggar Bactrian camels shared 108 genes under positive selection, including WNT1, WNT10B, CD14, SEC61A2, DPAGT1, FOXO6, etc. These selected genes were widely involved in the immune system, embryonic development, lipid metabolism, and other processes. From a genomic analysis perspective, the genetic relationship between TLM and ZGE camels is close, with an average Fst of 0.048 and a relatively low average differentiation coefficient between the two populations. In addition, shared selected genes in the long-term depression pathway were significantly enriched in Tarim and Junggar. These findings will offer support and assistance for the exploration of genetic resource preservation, economically significant traits, and the mechanisms underlying biological characteristics, molecular breeding, and disease.

Comparative evolutionary and molecular genetics based study of Buffalo lysozyme gene family to elucidate their antibacterial function

Lysozyme is used as a food preservative, biological medicine, and infant food additive as a natural anti-infective chemical having bactericidal activity and abundantly secreted in mammals' milk, saliva, etc. We systematically analyzed the 16 coding LYZ genes (C and G-type) in buffalo and cattle to elucidate their evolutionary perspective thoroughly by evaluating an evolutionary relationship, motif patterning, physicochemical attributes, gene, and protein structure, as well as the functional role of the mammary gland-specific expressed buffalo and cattle LYZ genes precisely while considering expression levels difference and the interaction sites variation with bacteria envisaged the potential ability of buffalo LYZ protein with enhanced antibacterial effect. Thus, we speculated that the buffalo mammary glands expressed lysozyme has good antibacterial activity. This study on the buffalo lysozyme gene family not only provides comprehensive insights into the genetic architecture and their antibacterial effect but also offers a theoretical basis for the development of new veterinary drugs and animal health care for mastitis, as well as a new molecular genetic basis to study food or medical lysozyme.

Immune System and Epidemics: The Role of African Indigenous Bioactive Substances

With over 6 million coronavirus pandemic deaths, the African continent reported the lowest death rate despite having a high disease burden. The African community's resilience to the pandemic has been attributed to climate and weather conditions, herd immunity, repeated exposure to infectious organisms that help stimulate the immune system, and a disproportionately large youth population. In addition, functional foods, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements contain micronutrients and bioactive compounds that can help boost the immune system. This review identified significant traditional fermented foods and herbal remedies available within the African continent with the potential to boost the immune system in epidemics and pandemics. Methodology: Databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Scopus, were searched using relevant search terms to identify traditional African fermented foods and medicinal plants with immune-boosting or antiviral capabilities. Cereal-based fermented foods, meat-, and fish-based fermented foods, and dairy-based fermented foods containing antioxidants, immunomodulatory effects, probiotics, vitamins, and peptides were identified and discussed. In addition, nine herbal remedies and spices belonging to eight plant families have antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antiviral properties. Peptides, flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, ascorbic acid, minerals, vitamins, and saponins are some of the bioactive compounds in the remedies. Bioactive compounds in food and plants significantly support the immune system and help increase resistance against infectious diseases. The variety of food and medicinal plants found on the African continent could play an essential role in providing community resilience against infectious diseases during epidemics and pandemics. The African continent should investigate nutritional, herbal, and environmental factors that support healthy living and longevity.

Camel Milk Cannot Prevent the Development of Cow's Milk Allergy-A Study in Brown Norway Rats

SCOPE

Currently there are no specific recommendations for the use of any particular infant formula in the prevention of cow's milk allergy (CMA). Recently, there has been an increasing interest in alternative infant formulas based on milk proteins from other sources than the cow, including milk from other mammalians such as goat, sheep, donkey, horse, and camel. Whereas these have been studied for their usability in CMA management, there are no studies of their CMA preventive capacity. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether camel milk can prevent CMA and vice versa.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The capacity of camel milk in preventing CMA and vice versa is evaluated in a well-established prophylactic Brown Norway rat model. IgG1, IgE, and IgA responses, allergy elicitation, intestinal and mLN gene expression, and protein uptake are analyzed. The study demonstrates that camel and cow's milk in general has an insignificant cross-preventive capacity. Yet, whereas cow's milk is shown to have a low transient capacity to prevent sensitization and clinically active camel milk allergy, camel milk does not show this effect for CMA.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that due to lack of cross-tolerance camel milk cannot be used for CMA prevention.

Prospective Role of Bioactive Molecules and Exosomes in the Therapeutic Potential of Camel Milk against Human Diseases: An Updated Perspective

Camel milk (CM) constitutes an important dietary source in the hot and arid regions of the world. CM is a colloidal mixture of nutritional components (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, and minerals) and non-nutritional components (hormones, growth factors, cytokines, immunoglobulins, and exosomes). Although the majority of previous research has been focused on the nutritional components of CM; there has been immense interest in the non-nutritional components in the recent past. Reckoning with these, in this review, we have provided a glimpse of the recent trends in CM research endeavors and attempted to provide our perspective on the therapeutic efficacy of the nutritional and non-nutritional components of CM. Interestingly, with concerted efforts from the research fraternities, convincing evidence for the better understanding of the claimed traditional health benefits of CM can be foreseen with great enthusiasm and is indeed eagerly anticipated.