Bovine Colostrum: An Effective Prophylactic and Therapeutic against Diarrhoeal Infections: A Review

Abstract

Diarrhoea is one of the top five causes of death among paediatric and geriatric population in India. Bacterial, viral and protozoal pathogens contaminating the food and water, or even opportunistic commensal microbes can lead to diarrhoeal infections. A number of anti- infective and antiparasitic agents are available for treating these infections. However, they come along with their distinct side effects. Alternative systems of medicine suggest treatments that come from natural sources like plants, minerals and animals. Bovine colostrum is one such animal-derived product recommended by Ayurveda to boost immunity and treat infections in human beings. is a rich source of immunoglobulins such as IgG1, IgG2, IgA and IgM. These antibodies along with other immune factors such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, lysozymes, lactalbumins, oligosaccharides present in colostrum provide an excellent passive protection against infections of bacterial, viral and protozoal origin. A long track record of safe use and several in vitro, preclinical and clinical studies have established bovine colostrum as a safe and effective remedy in the prevention and treatment of diarrhoea. We present a mechanistic review of application of bovine colostrum against primary and secondary diarrhoeal infections.