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Colostrum Herb Description - Drug Interactions, Dosage and Some of its Useful Properties
Common Trade Names
Bioenervi, Lactobin
Common Dosage Forms
Available in capsules (liquid or powder), cream, dry powder, liquid, and tablets (500 mg).
Source
Colostrum is the thick, yellowish fluid secreted by the mammary glands immediately after birth. It contains immune factors and growth factors for the neonate as well as other nutrients. Bovine colostrum contains the same types of ingredients as human colostrum except with higher levels of immune and growth factors. For this reason, cattle are the source for commercially produced colostrum.
Chemical Components
Colostrum contains several immune factors (such as immunoglobulin [Ig]A, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM) and specific immunity (antibodies) to diseases acquired by the mother that are potentially transferable to other mammals. The levels of IgA, IgG, IgG 2 , and IgM in bovine colostrum are about 100 times higher than in normal milk. Colostrum also contains cytokines, glycoproteins (such as trypsin and protease inhibitors), lactalbumins, lactoferrin, leukocytes, lysozyme, vitamins, and other immune factors. Specific insulin-like growth factors (such as IgF-I and IgF- II) are abundant, which stimulates cell growth and tissue repair.
Actions
Bovine colostrum has been used to transfer antibodies, growth and immune factors, and specific immunity to certain disease states to other mammals. Animal studies have suggested that growth factors and immune factors are transferable between mammals.
Reported uses
A Finnish study of human athletes taking bovine colostrum supplementation demonstrated an increase in the serum IgF-I level during strength and speed training . The results of several studies have showed that colostrum from cows immunized against rotavirus prevented or decreased the severity of diarrheal episodes in children . It has also been shown that oral anticholera toxin bovine colostral immunoglobulins are ineffective in treating patients with active cholera diarrhea . Other studies have evaluated the use of bovine colostrum for Escherichia coli and Cryptosporidiurn parvurn infections. Unsubstantiated claims for colostrum include its use as an antiaging agent, an anticancer agent, an antiviral, a dietary supplement, a digestive aid, a growth or regeneration agent, an immune system stimulant, and a skin repair agent.
Dosage
Dosage varies with the product. No standard dosing is available. A popular dose used in some trials is 10 g/day.
Adverse reactions
GI: elevated liver enzyme levels .
Interactions
None reported.
Contraindications And Precautions
Avoid using colostrum in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown.
Special Considerations
No reactions were documented in patients with milk allergy.
Urge the patient to notify the prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement he is taking when filling a new prescription.
Points of Interest
The bulk of research on colostrum has used fresh colostrum (free of fat and lactose). A few studies have used dried colostrum or compared different preparations of colostrum.
A major factor in selecting a colostrum product is quality. Because the immune and growth factors are easily destroyed by heat, proper manufacturing procedures are imperative. No independent assays or standards for quality and production are available.
Commentary
Animal research constitutes the bulk of the literature on colostrum. Although initial information is promising, further study in human trials is needed. Standardization of colostrum products is needed to ensure quality of growth and immune factors. Evidence to support claims is lacking.