The anti-inflammatory activity of a low molecular weight component derived from the milk of hyperimmunized cows

“Immune” milk has been utilized as a source of biologically active compounds for many years. In the present study, a low molecular weight fraction, isolated from the milk of dairy cows hyperimmunized with a multivalent bacterial vaccine (HIMF), has been evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. Analysis was carried out using the rat hind-paw oedema assay. HIMF was shown to have a marked anti-inflammatory effect in this model and carrageenin-induced oedema was suppressed by up to 80% in individual experiments. The agent was active following oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous administration. Intravenous injection was particularly effective and amounts as small as 1 mg significantly reduced the inflammatory response to carrageenin. The experiments have established that milk from hyperimmunized cows contains a highly active anti-inflammatory compound and form a basis for further studies, which will attempt to isolate and further characterize the active moiety.