A Review on Camel Milk and Its Medicinal Properties

Abstract

In Quran, a camel has been labeled as a miracle of Allah. According to Hadith, camel milk is recommended for the treatment of several diseases i.e. autoimmune disorders. Food and Agriculture Organization showed the total population of camel is about 25.89 million, worldwide. In this population, 11% are 2-humped, 60% are dromedary camels and 89% are 1-humped camel. Camel milk has unique properties to other specie’s milk i.e. cow, goat, sheep, buffalo and human milk with a sweet, bitter and sometimes salty tastes. It is used as a food for children and elderly people. It consists of low-sugar, low-cholesterol, protective protein i.e. lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulin and lactoferrin, high minerals i.e. magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and potassium and high in vitamins i.e. B, C, A, E and D. Due to low level of β-lactoglobulin, it is used as an alternative for children and peoples who have cow milk intolerance. Now a day, it is used to treat many diseases due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Medically, it can reduce the risk of autism and cancer. It has beneficial effects for many infectious diseases such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, diarrhea, bacterial and viral infections and different types of allergies. It is helpful in strengthening the immune system and fighting against autoimmune diseases i.e. Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, eczema, and arthritis. Due to naturally present insulin, it can improve hyperglycemia and decrease glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), in that way, it can lower the requirement of insulin and be used to treat diabetes. As whole camel milk is an amazing remedy for the treatment of various health issues. This review focused on the nutritional and medicinal properties of camel milk.