Novel bioactive peptides of Achillea eriophora show anticancer and antioxidant activities

Plant-Derived as Alternatives to Animal-Derived Bioactive Peptides: A Review of the Preparation, Bioactivities, Structure-Activity Relationships, and Applications in Chronic Diseases

Background/Objectives: At present, a large number of bioactive peptides have been found from plant sources with potential applications for the prevention of chronic diseases. By promoting plant-derived bioactive peptides (PDBPs), we can reduce dependence on animals, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the ecological environment. Methods: In this review, we summarize recent advances in sustainably sourced PDBPs in terms of preparation methods, biological activity, structure-activity relationships, and their use in chronic diseases. Results: Firstly, the current preparation methods of PDBPs were summarized, and the advantages and disadvantages of enzymatic method and microbial fermentation method were introduced. Secondly, the biological activities of PDBPs that have been explored are summarized, including antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer and antihypertensive activities. Finally, based on the biological activity, the structure-activity relationship of PDBPs and its application in chronic diseases were discussed. All these provide the foundation for the development of PDBPs. However, the study of PDBPs still has some limitations. Conclusions: Overall, PDBPs is a good candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in humans. This work provides important information for exploring the source of PDBPs, optimizing its biological activity, and accurately designing functional foods or drugs.

Metabolomic insights and bioactive efficacies of Tragopogon dubius root fractions: Antioxidant and antiproliferative assessments

Tragopogon dubius is commonly consumed as a vegetable and used in traditional medicine for treating inflammatory skin conditions and cutaneous swelling. Despite known pharmacological properties of its leaves and roots, many of its biological characteristics and active phytochemicals remain unexplored. The present study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of methanolic root extracts and isolated fractions (TdRM-1 and TdRM-2) of T. dubius. Utilizing preparative thin-layer chromatography, the crude extract was successfully separated into TdRM-1 and TdRM-2, characterized by GC-MS and FTIR analysis, revealing a diverse range of bioactive compounds including terpenes, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, and other phytoconstituents. Advanced UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis identified 54 metabolites, significantly contributing to the chemical profiling of the extract. The antioxidant activities of the fractions were quantitatively assessed using ABTS, DPPH, and superoxide radical scavenging assays, where TdRM-2 exhibited superior activity with IC50 values ranging from 51.29 to 60.03 μg/mL. Anticancer potential was evaluated against A549, LN-18, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, demonstrating that TdRM-2 significantly inhibited cell proliferation with GI50 values as low as 31.62 μg/mL for A549 cells. Additionally, fluorescence microscopy revealed that TdRM-2 induces apoptosis, indicated by changes in nuclear morphology and loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining indicate that the TdRM-2 fractions from T. dubius can significantly inhibit the growth of A-549, LN-18, and MCF-7 cancer cell lines by inducing apoptosis These findings suggest that T. dubius root extracts, particularly the TdRM-2 fraction, hold promising therapeutic potential due to their significant antioxidant and anticancer activities, underpinned by their rich phytochemical composition. This study underscores the importance of T. dubius as a source of natural bioactive compounds with potential health benefits.

Apple Blossom Agricultural Residues as a Sustainable Source of Bioactive Peptides through Microbial Fermentation Bioprocessing

This study explored the impact of starter-assisted fermentation on apple blossoms to enhance their potential as a source of antioxidant and antifungal molecules. Fructobacillus fructosus PL22 and Wickerhamomyces anomalus GY1 were chosen as starters owing to their origin and promising ability to modify plant secondary metabolites. An initial assessment through microbiological and physicochemical analyses showed superior outcomes for starter-assisted fermentation compared to the spontaneous process. Enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins, primarily controlled by starters, orchestrated the generation of new low-molecular-weight peptides. W. anomalus GY1 also induced modifications in the phenolic profile, generating a diverse array of bioactive metabolites. These metabolic changes, particularly the release of potentially bioactive peptides, were associated with significant antioxidant activity and marked antifungal efficacy against three common mold species. Our results shed light on the potential of microbial starters to valorize agricultural wastes and convert them into a valuable resource for industry.

Proteolysis and therapeutic potential of bioactive peptides derived from Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese-derived bioactive peptides are considered a potential component of functional foods. A positive impact of bioactive peptides on diet-related chronic, non-communicable diseases, like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, has been observed. Bioactive peptides possess multifunctional therapeutic potentials, including antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory effects, anti-thrombotic, and phyto-pathological activities against various toxic compounds. Peptides can regulate human immune, gastrointestinal, hormonal, and neurological responses, which play an integral role in the deterrence and treatment of certain diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, hypertension, and other health disorders, as described in the present review. This review summarizes the categories of the Cheddar cheese-derived bioactive peptides, their general characteristics, physiological functions, and possible applications in healthcare.

In vitro and in silico studies for the identification of anti-cancer and antibacterial peptides from camel milk protein hydrolysates

Today, breast cancer and infectious diseases are very worrying that led to a widespread effort by researchers to discover natural remedies with no side effects to fight them. In the present study, we isolated camel milk protein fractions, casein and whey proteins, and hydrolyzed them using pepsin, trypsin, and both enzymes. Screening of peptides with anti-breast cancer and antibacterial activity against pathogens was performed. Peptides derived from whey protein fraction with the use of both enzymes showed very good activity against MCF-7 breast cancer with cell viability of 7.13%. The separate use of trypsin and pepsin to digest whey protein fraction yielded peptides with high antibacterial activity against S. aureus (inhibition zone of 4.17 ± 0.30 and 4.23 ± 0.32 cm, respectively) and E. coli (inhibition zone of 4.03 ± 0.15 and 4.03 ± 0.05 cm, respectively). Notably, in order to identify the effective peptides in camel milk, its protein sequences were retrieved and enzymatically digested in silico. Peptides that showed both anticancer and antibacterial properties and the highest stability in intestinal conditions were selected for the next step. Molecular interaction analysis was performed on specific receptors associated with breast cancer and/or antibacterial activity using molecular docking. The results showed that P3 (WNHIKRYF) and P5 (WSVGH) peptides had low binding energy and inhibition constant so that they specifically occupied active sites of protein targets. Our results introduced two peptide-drug candidates and new natural food additive that can be delivered to further animal and clinical trials.

Bioactive Peptides Obtained from Legume Seeds as New Compounds in Metabolic Syndrome Prevention and Diet Therapy

Currently, food is regarded not only as a source of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals but also as a source of bioactive compounds that can play a significant role in the prevention and diet therapy of many diseases. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex disorder defined as a set of interrelated factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidemia. MS affects not only adults but also children. Peptides are one of the compounds that exhibit a variety of bioactive properties. They are derived from food proteins, which are usually obtained through enzymatic hydrolysis or digestion in the digestive system. Legume seeds are a good source of bioactive peptides. In addition to their high protein content, they contain high levels of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The aim of this review is to present new bioactive peptides derived from legume seeds and showing inhibitory properties against MS. These compounds may find application in MS diet therapy or functional food production.

Experimental, molecular docking and molecular dynamic studies of natural products targeting overexpressed receptors in breast cancer

Natural compounds are proper tools for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Hence, the search for these ligands of overexpressed receptors in breast cancer has been a competitive challenge recently and opens new avenues for drug discovery. In this research, we have investigated molecular interactions between natural products and overexpressed receptors in breast cancer using molecular docking and dynamic simulation approaches followed by extraction of the best ligand from Citrus limetta and developing for nanoscale encapsulation composed of soy lecithin using a sonicator machine. The encapsulation process was confirmed by DLS and TEM analyses. Anticancer activity was also examined using MTT method. Among the investigated natural compounds, hesperidin was found to bind to specific targets with stronger binding energy. The molecular dynamics results indicated that the hesperidin-MCL-1 complex is very stable at 310.15 K for 200 ns. The RP-HPLC analysis revealed that the purity of extracted hesperidin was 98.8% with a yield of 1.72%. The results of DLS and TEM showed a strong interaction between hesperidin and lecithin with an entrapped efficiency of 92.02 ± 1.08%. Finally, the cytotoxicity effect of hesperidin was increased against the MDA-MB-231 cell line with an IC50 value of 62.93 μg/mL after encapsulation, whereas no significant effect against the MCF10A cell line. We showed for the first time that hesperidin is a flexible and strong ligand for the MCL-1 receptor. Also, it has the in vitro ability to kill the MDA-MB-231 cell lines without having a significant effect on the MCF10A cell lines. Therefore, hesperidin could be used as a food ingredient to generate functional foods.

Plant-derived proteins as a sustainable source of bioactive peptides: recent research updates on emerging production methods, bioactivities, and potential application

The development of novel protein sources to compensate for the expected future shortage of traditional animal proteins due to their high carbon footprint is a major contemporary challenge in the agri-food industry currently. Therefore, both industry and consumers are placing a greater emphasis on plant proteins as a sustainable source of protein to meet the growing nutritional demand of ever increasing population. In addition to being key alternatives, many plant-based foods have biological properties that make them potentially functional or health-promoting foods, particularly physiologically active peptides and proteins accounting for most of these properties. This review discusses the importance of plant-based protein as a viable and sustainable alternative to animal proteins. The current advances in plant protein isolation and production and characterization of bioactive hydrolysates and peptides from plant proteins are described comprehensively. Furthermore, the recent research on bioactivities and bioavailability of plant protein-derived bioactive peptides is reviewed briefly. The limitations of using bioactive peptides, regulatory criteria, and the possible future applications of plant protein-derived bioactive peptides are highlighted. This review may help understand plant proteins and their bioactive peptides and provide valuable suggestions for future research and applications in the food industry.