Camel Milk Consumption Reduces Allergic Asthma Symptoms in Mice

Recent research conducted by the Joldasbekov Institute of Mechanics and Engineering in Kazakhstan has demonstrated that consuming camel milk can significantly alleviate symptoms associated with allergic asthma, at least in a laboratory mouse model. The study found that camel milk intake led to a marked decrease in airway hyperresponsiveness and lung inflammation caused by allergic reactions.

Asthma affects hundreds of millions globally, characterized by chronic inflammation of the airways and heightened responsiveness to various triggers. Its rising prevalence has been linked to modern lifestyles, decreased exposure to rural environments, and shifts in diet. While camel milk has been traditionally valued for its health benefits, including immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, scientific evidence directly linking it to immune regulation in asthma has been limited.

In this study, researchers administered camel milk orally to mice that were sensitized to house dust mite allergens—a common asthma trigger. The mice were divided into control, allergen-exposed, and camel milk–treated groups. Camel milk, sourced from dromedary camels from the Almaty region, was given at 0.5 ml per dose, five times weekly, starting a day prior to allergen exposure.

The results showed that mice treated with camel milk exhibited reduced airway hyperreactivity when challenged with methacholine—a substance used to test airway responsiveness. Additionally, analysis of lung fluids revealed that inflammatory cells, including eosinophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils, were significantly lower in camel milk–treated mice. The levels of chemokines such as CCL17 also decreased, indicating suppressed immune activation.

Further immune profiling indicated that the number of Th2 and Th17 cells, which promote allergic inflammation, was reduced following camel milk consumption. Cytokine analysis confirmed that IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13—key cytokines in allergic responses—were suppressed in the camel milk group, while Th1 and regulatory T cell levels remained unaffected.

These findings suggest that camel milk disrupts allergen-induced immune responses, particularly by downregulating Th2-associated cytokines and inflammatory cell infiltration. The bioactive components in camel milk, including immunoglobulins and proteins, likely contribute to these effects.

While promising, the researchers emphasized the need for human trials to verify these benefits. Currently, there is no comparison with other types of milk such as cow or goat milk, and more research is essential to explore camel milk's potential as a dietary supplement for managing allergic asthma.

In conclusion, this study points to camel milk as a potential natural adjunct to asthma management strategies, promoting immune regulation and reducing lung inflammation in allergic responses. Future clinical studies could establish its role in human health and asthma treatment.