Bioactive and health-promoting properties of enzymatic hydrolysates of legume proteins: a review

Abstract

This study comprehensively reviewed the effect of controlled enzymatic hydrolysis on the bioactivity of pulse protein hydrolysates (PPHs). Proteolysis results in the partial structural unfolding of pulse proteins with an increase in buried hydrophobic groups of peptide sequences. The use of PPHs in a dose-dependent manner can enhance free radical scavenging and improve antioxidant activities regarding inhibition of lipid oxidation, ferric reducing power, metal ion chelation, and β-carotene bleaching inhibition. Ultrafiltered peptide fractions with low molecular weights imparted angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory effects during in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion and in vivo conditions. Ultrasonication, high-pressure pretreatments, and glycosylation as post-treatments can improve the antiradical, antioxidant, and ACE inhibitory activities of PPHs. The electrostatic attachment of pulse peptides to microbial cells can inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria and fungi. Bioactive pulse peptides can reduce serum cholesterol and triglycerides, and inhibit the formation of adipocyte lipid storage, allergenic factors, inflammatory markers, and arterial thrombus without cytotoxicity. The combination of germination and enzymatic hydrolysis can significantly increase the protein digestibility and bioavailability of essential amino acids. Moreover, the utilization and enrichment of bakery and meat products with functional PPHs ensure quality, safety, and health aspects of food products.

Keywords:

• Bioactive plant protein
• enzymatic hydrolysis
• high hydrostatic pressure
• high intensity ultrasound
• nutraceutical properties
• functional foods

Acknowledgments

Seyed Mohammad Taghi Gharibzahedi (SMTG) and Zeynep Altintas acknowledge the support of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation for SMTG via the Georg Forster Research Fellowship. Also, SMTG sincerely thanks Mr. Dieter Zastrow for the help, advice, and support during his stay in Bad Belzig, Germany.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

The project (No. 3060-21650-001-00-D) was funded by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) as part of the Pulse Crop Health Initiative.