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REVIEW PAPER
Bioactive compounds in sheep milk: The therapeutic potential
of CLA, lactoferrin, and orotic acid in skin cancer treatment
1
University of Agriculture in Krakow, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Krakow 31-120, Poland
2
Jagiellonian University, Faculty of Biology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Laboratory of Physiology and Toxicology of Reproduction, Krakow 30-387, Poland
3
AGH University of Krakow, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramics, Department of Glass Technology and Amorphous Coatings, Krakow 30-059, Poland
4
The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Animal Nutrition, Jabłonna 05-110, Poland
Publication date: 2025-08-22
Corresponding author
E. Molik
University of Agriculture in Krakow, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Krakow 31-120, Poland
University of Agriculture in Krakow, Faculty of Animal Science, Department of Animal Biotechnology, Krakow 31-120, Poland
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, poses a significant
public health problem due to its rising global incidence. Therefore, there is
a growing interest among patients in natural substances with potential therapeutic
benefits. Sheep’s milk, rich in bioactive substances such as conjugated linoleic
acid (CLA), lactoferrin, and orotic acid, represents a promising candidate for
adjunctive cancer therapy due to its unique biological properties. This review
consolidates current knowledge on the health-promoting effects of selected
bioactive substances from sheep’s milk in the context of skin cancer supportive
care. In vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have demonstrated that CLA isomers
have anticancer activity, suppressing malignant melanoma development and
progression. Lactoferrin is widely utilised in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical
industries due to its antibacterial and skin repairing properties. Meanwhile, orotic
acid shows potential as a breakthrough compound in skin cancer prevention
and treatment through its combined anticancer and dermatoprotective effects.
Considering the great anticancer potential of sheep’s milk, further research is
essential to fully elucidate their mechanisms and clinical applications.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Authors declare that there is no conflict of interests.
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