Natural Bioactive Compounds in Sheep Milk: Potential Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Biochemistry
• Biomedical Science
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Sheep milk is rich in bioactive compounds like proteins, peptides, and fatty acids.
• These components possess health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
• Key compounds such as lactoferrin, proline, orotic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) are linked to chronic disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on bioactive components in sheep milk.
• To explore the potential of these components in functional foods.
• To highlight their applications in biomedical fields, including regenerative medicine.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific reports and studies.
• Analysis of bioactive components present in sheep milk.
• Evaluation of their documented health benefits and potential applications.

Main Results:

• Sheep milk bioactive peptides inhibit DPP-IV and α-glucosidase, aiding blood glucose regulation.
• Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) improves lipid metabolism and reduces inflammation.
• Sheep milk proteins support tissue regeneration, beneficial for elderly and infants allergic to cow milk.
• Hydrogels enriched with sheep milk bioactives show potential for wound healing and regenerative medicine.

Conclusions:

• Sheep milk offers a valuable source of bioactive compounds for functional foods and biomedical applications.
• Its components demonstrate potential in managing chronic diseases and enhancing tissue repair.
• Further research into sheep milk bioactives can lead to novel therapeutic strategies and advanced wound care solutions.