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Donkey's milk has proven anti-aging properties, say Lucknow scientists

LUCKNOW- Cleopatra's beauty secret is all set to be bottled and marketed soon. A team of experts from Lucknow University, headed by Dr.AinakshiKhare, head of the chemistry department, and engaged in technology development for immunostimulants from donkey's milk, has stumbled upon its strong cosmetic potential.

"The milk," says Dr Desh Deepak, one of the investigator in the Department of Science and Technology (DST) sponsored project, "has proven anti aging properties and can be effectively used in combating wrinkles in form of cream," which they plan to manufacture commercially. Proving finally that Cleo wasn't that off the mark in her queer toilet preferences!

In fact oligosacchrides found in donkey's milk, claims Desh Deepak, is also an anti-cancer agent. With its high immunostimulant activity, it can also be used as a potent drug for diseases affecting the immune system, including tuberculosis and even AIDS. While this compound may not be able to eliminate the AIDS virus, it can improve body resistance, he claims.

Quoting Charak Samhita, Sushrut Samhita and Dravya Gunadarsha extensively, Mr. Deepak waxes eloquent about the amazing qualities of donkey's milk, which can offer a cure for chest and liver diseases and blood or bladder disorder. More can also give Viagra a run for its money, as t also projects it as a formidable aphrodisiac. patent facilitating cell of DST has already pa oligosachhrides from donkey's milk.

The research and the claims have generate of skepticism and even ridicule in Lucknow, researchers. In the hills and especially the Terai belt, donkey milk has traditionally been used for treating rickets or as a balm.

The findings have been published in Biochemical et Biophysica A cta (I 999) and also presented in various international conferences, including the French symposium on immunopharmacology New Delhi.

While animal trials have been successfully out, formal clinical trials will begin only later this year (the research team otherwise narrates her of success stories specially with AIDS who have been thronging Lucknow University the past one year.)

They are waiting for a nod for the projects submitted to the Technopreneur Promotion Programme by the ministry of science and technology for financial assistance to set up a donkey farm to procure the "raw material" and also to employ assistants to milk the donkeys.

By Manjari Mishra

As reported in The Times of India News Service