Insights on Health and Food Applications of <i>Equus asinus</i> (Donkey) Milk Bioactive Proteins and Peptides—An Overview
Reda Derdak,
Souraya Sakoui,
Oana Lelia Pop,
Carmen Ioana Muresan,
Dan Cristian Vodnar,
Boutaina Addoum,
Romana Vulturar,
Adina Chis,
Ramona Suharoschi,
Abdelaziz Soukri,
Bouchra El Khalfi
Affiliations
Reda Derdak
Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Centre, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca, Morocco
Souraya Sakoui
Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Centre, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca, Morocco
Oana Lelia Pop
Department of Food Science, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Carmen Ioana Muresan
Department of Food Science, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Dan Cristian Vodnar
Department of Food Science, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Boutaina Addoum
Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Centre, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca, Morocco
Romana Vulturar
Department of Molecular Sciences, ‘Iuliu Hațieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, 8 Victor Babeș, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Adina Chis
Department of Molecular Sciences, ‘Iuliu Hațieganu’ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, 8 Victor Babeș, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Ramona Suharoschi
Department of Food Science, University of Agricultural Science and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Calea Mănăștur, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Abdelaziz Soukri
Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Centre, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca, Morocco
Bouchra El Khalfi
Laboratory of Physiopathology, Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, Health and Biotechnology Research Centre, Hassan II University of Casablanca, Maarif B.P 5366, Casablanca, Morocco
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.
