IPB University Dairy Expert Reveals Potential of Milk Content as a Virus Infection Inhibitor

IPB University Dairy Expert and Permanent Professor of Faculty of Animal Science, Prof Epi Taufik, revealed the potential of oligosaccharide bioactive molecules in dairy milk as an inhibitor of infections, including the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

This was conveyed in the Press Conference of Pre Oration of Professor of IPB University held on Thursday (5/22).

In his oration entitled “Exploration and Utilization of Bioactive Oligosaccharide Molecules from Dairy Milk to Improve the Quality of Human Resources towards Golden Indonesia 2045”, Prof Epi explained the results of his research on bioactive content in cow and goat milk.

“In cow’s milk, we found six types of acidic oligosaccharides and four types of neutral oligosaccharides that have bioactive potential. While from goat’s milk, the oligosaccharide molecules we studied showed the ability to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection,” he said.

He explained that these oligosaccharides can be developed as basic ingredients for medical products and functional foods, such as supplements, nasal sprays, and lozenges. This content works by preventing the virus from attaching to host cell receptors, thus inhibiting the infection process.

Furthermore, Prof Epi emphasized the importance of continuing this research, including exploration of other dairy livestock such as horses and local species typical of Indonesia.

“This bioactive content is not only antiviral, but also antibacterial, and has the potential to support the development of brain function,” he added.

He also encouraged the use of the results of this research to support national programs such as Free Nutritious Meals, especially in the form of milk for school age, as an effort to accelerate the improvement of the quality of human resources from early childhood to adolescence.

“By utilizing oligosaccharides from local milk, we not only improve public health, but also prepare a superior generation towards the Golden Indonesia 2045,” concluded Prof Epi. (dh) (IAAS/RMH)