Abstract: As a unique and high-quality dairy product, donkey milk is rich in various nutrients such as proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It exhibits multiple biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-tumor, and cosmetic anti-aging effects. The characteristic components and bioactivity of donkey milk are influenced by a variety of factors such as species, dietary habits, geographical origin, lactation stage, season, and health status. Changes in the characteristic components of donkey milk can lead to significant variations in its biological activities. This review outlines the properties of the characteristic components of donkey milk, and summarizes the literature regarding the effects of different factors on the characteristic components of donkey milk, as well as its functional properties and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The review hopes to provide theoretical guidance for the high-value application and industrial development of donkey milk in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields.

Key words: donkey milk; biological activities; functional properties; characteristic components