author(s)
A Aswathy, R Uma, KK Jayavardhanan, G Radhika, Linu Eldho and M Rosemol Jacob

abstract
Lactoferrin, an 80 kDa iron-binding glycoprotein possessing antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities is primarily present in milk as a minor whey protein. The present study was focussed on the isolation and characterization of lactoferrin from the colostrum of Kasargod Dwarf cattle, a native genetic group of cattle belonging to the southern state of Kerala, India and assessment of its in vitro antioxidant potentials. Colostrum samples collected were subjected to CM-Sephadex C-50 cation exchange chromatography. The eluted fractions having high OD₂₈₀ values were confirmed as lactoferrin by means of 12 percent SDS-PAGE. The total iron content of Kasargod Dwarf lactoferrin was revealed to be 600 ppm. The isolated lactoferrin was then subjected to reducing power assay and antioxidant assay. It was revealed that Kasargod Dwarf lactoferrin possesses more effective reducing power and antioxidant potential when compared to commercially available bovine lactoferrin as well as ascorbic acid, a known antioxidant.