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Peptides: Origins, Functions, and Industrial Applications in Pharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals

What Are Peptides?

Peptides consist of short amino acid chains that connect through peptide bonds (-CO-NH-) and generally contain between 2 and 50 amino acids. The term peptides comes from the Greek word peptós, which signifies "digested," and they form through partial protein hydrolysis. These biomolecules perform critical functions as hormones and neurotransmitters while also working as antimicrobial agents and growth factors and play roles as immune modulators to control numerous physiological processes. The integration of peptides into pharmaceutical formulations and diagnostic tools has been driven by their structural versatility alongside their bioactivity and biocompatibility, and they have also become important in the field of nutraceuticals.

What Role Do Marine and Plant Sources Play in Peptide Development?

Peptides derived from natural sources exhibit distinctive biological activity and structural configurations, which determine their potential applications. Each source produces unique functional peptides that have significant benefits for both therapeutic treatments and nutritional supplements.

Marine-Derived Peptides

• Fish Collagen Peptides: These peptides stand out for their ability to regenerate skin and support joint health. These peptides demonstrate powerful antioxidant capabilities alongside their anti-aging effects.
• Marine Fish Oligopeptides: Peptides with low molecular weight that boost absorption find common applications in anti-fatigue and cardiovascular health supplements.
• Oyster Peptides: These peptides contain high levels of taurine and trace elements, which benefit the liver and male reproductive systems.
• Sea Cucumber Peptides: The benefits of sea cucumber peptides consist of anti-inflammatory effects together with anti-fatigue and immunomodulatory functions.

Plant-Derived Peptides

• Soy Peptides: These peptides deliver antioxidant protection along with cholesterol reduction, which positions them as essential ingredients for cardiovascular health supplements.
• Pea Peptides: Pea peptides deliver anti-hypertensive effects and support muscle repair while serving as beneficial components in sports nutrition.
• Walnut Peptides: Walnut peptides show neuroprotective effects while scientists study them more for cognitive function enhancement.

What Are the Industrial Applications of Bioactive Peptides?

Pharmaceutical Applications

• Anticancer Peptides: Anticancer peptides should aim to bind cancer-specific receptors while simultaneously damaging cancer cell membranes. For example, leuprolide (leuprorelin) is widely used to manage hormone-responsive cancers.
• Cardiovascular Therapies: The peptide eptifibatide functions to stop platelet aggregation while providing effective thrombosis management.
• Peptide Vaccines and Diagnostics: Pathogen-specific immunity development and biomarker detection utilize peptide vaccines.
• Antihypertensive Peptides: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibiting peptides play a key role in blood pressure management.

Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals

Functional foods now contain peptides because they offer safety benefits along with digestibility and bioactive properties.

• Functional Beverages and Dairy: Functional beverages and dairy products benefit from added soy or marine peptides, which deliver antioxidant protection and immune enhancement while reducing inflammation.
• Salt Reduction: Peptides that boost flavors known as "kokumi" peptides enable sodium reduction while preserving taste appeal.
• Nutritional Supplements: Protein powders, along with energy bars and recovery products contain collagen and sea cucumber peptides.
• Medical Nutrition (FSMP): Tailored peptide supplements provide essential nutrition for both athletes and elderly individuals, as well as people with metabolic disorders.