Explore studies of bioactive food peptides.
Lactoferricin inhibited Listeria monocytogenes (4 serotypes) at 0.3-9 micrograms/ml. Bactericidal concentrations were slightly higher. Effectiveness comparable to clinical antibiotics.
Wakabayashi, Hiroyuki; Bellamy, Wayne; Takase, Mitsunori; Tomita, Mamoru · In Vitro
Lactoferricin B showed broad-spectrum bactericidal activity at low concentrations, with enhanced effectiveness at lower pH and against actively growing bacteria.
Jones, E M; Smart, A; Bloomberg, G; Burgess, L; Millar, M R · In Vitro
Intraluminal peptide factors, released in response to dietary proteins and fats, are key regulators of CCK secretion that coordinate digestion.
Liddle, R A · Review
Beta-casomorphin-5 stimulated neurite outgrowth in Neuro-2a cells at picomolar concentrations via mu-opioid receptors, demonstrated by naloxone reversibility and DAMGO replication of the effect.
Sakaguchi, M; Murayama, K; Yabe, K; Satoh, M; Takeuchi, M; Matsumura, E · In Vitro
Milk-derived peptides from casein and whey digestion include opioid peptides (casomorphins), antihypertensive peptides (casokinins), mineral carriers (casein phosphopeptides), and other bioactives with diverse health effects.
Shah, N P · Review
Dietary peptides from protein digestion induced satiety through both CCK-A and peripheral opioid receptor pathways, with the relative contribution of each pathway varying by protein source — different foods activate different satiety signals.
Pupovac, Jelena; Anderson, G Harvey · Animal Study
Whey protein produced greater short-term satiety than casein in humans, with faster amino acid absorption, higher plasma amino acid peaks, and different gastrointestinal hormone (CCK, GLP-1) profiles.
Hall, W L; Millward, D J; Long, S J; Morgan, L M · Clinical Trial
Beta-casomorphin-7 and casein hydrolysate stimulated mucus release in rat jejunum through mu-opioid receptor activation, providing a direct mechanism for dairy-derived gut protection through opioid peptide signaling.
Trompette, Aurélien; Claustre, Jean; Caillon, Fabienne; Jourdan, Gérard; Chayvialle, Jean Alain; Plaisancié, Pascale · Animal Study
Human milk proteins (lactoferrin, lysozyme, sIgA, alpha-lactalbumin) and their digestion-generated bioactive peptides provide comprehensive antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and trophic activities that protect and develop infant health.
Lönnerdal, Bo · Review
Lactitol colonic fermentation increased circulating PYY and GLP-1 in rats and humans, establishing that short-chain fatty acid production from dietary fiber fermentation stimulates L-cell satiety peptide secretion — a prebiotic mechanism for appetite regulation.
Gee, Jennifer M; Johnson, Ian T · Clinical Trial
Protein preload before duodenal fat perfusion in healthy men amplified satiety, enhanced CCK/GLP-1 release, and reduced subsequent energy intake compared to fat alone — supporting strategic macronutrient sequencing for appetite management.
Oesch, Sibylle; Degen, Lukas; Beglinger, Christoph · RCT
Lactoferricin-related peptides inhibited ACE-dependent vasoconstriction, adding blood pressure-lowering activity to the antimicrobial, anticancer, and immunomodulatory profile of this milk-derived peptide family.
Centeno, José M; Burguete, María C; Castelló-Ruiz, María; Enrique, María; Vallés, Salvador; Salom, Juan B; Torregrosa, Germán; Marcos, José F; Alborch, Enrique; Manzanares, Paloma · In Vitro
Wheat fiber modified postprandial PYY and ghrelin responses without immediate appetite changes, suggesting fiber-induced gut hormone modulation requires chronic exposure rather than acute meal effects for meaningful appetite impact.
Weickert, Martin O; Spranger, Joachim; Holst, Jens J; Otto, Bärbel; Koebnick, Corinna; Möhlig, Matthias; Pfeiffer, Andreas F H · RCT
A1 beta-casein releases more beta-casomorphin-7 (BCM-7) during digestion than A2, with BCM-7 showing opioid, immunomodulatory, and GI effects that may explain the health differences attributed to A1 versus A2 milk consumption.
Kamiński, Stanisław; Cieslińska, Anna; Kostyra, Elzbieta · Review
Protein hydrolysates directly stimulated CCK secretion from STC-1 enteroendocrine cells and showed partial CCK1 receptor agonist activity, demonstrating dual mechanisms: dietary peptides both trigger satiety hormone release AND directly activate satiety receptors.
Foltz, Martin; Ansems, Patrick; Schwarz, Jessica; Tasker, Maria C; Lourbakos, Afrodite; Gerhardt, Cindy C · In Vitro
Mu-opioid peptide agonists and antagonists showed variable Caco-2 monolayer permeability, with some achieving transcellular transport — assessing oral bioavailability potential and identifying which opioid peptide structures achieve gut barrier crossing.
Iwan, Małgorzata; Jarmołowska, Beata; Bielikowicz, Krzysztof; Kostyra, Elzbieta; Kostyra, Henryk; Kaczmarski, Maciej · In Vitro
Combinations of milk-derived antimicrobial peptides and proteins (lactoferricin + lysozyme, lactoferrin + alpha-lactalbumin peptides) showed synergistic antibacterial activity exceeding individual effects — the natural milk cocktail is more effective than any single component.
López-Expósito, I; Pellegrini, A; Amigo, L; Recio, I · In Vitro
Milk-derived peptides including lactoferricin, casocidin, and caseicidin demonstrate both antibacterial and antitumor properties through membrane disruption and apoptosis induction — making dairy digestion a source of dual anti-infection and anti-cancer protection.
López-Expósito, Iván; Recio, Isidra · Review
Korean pine nut oil stimulated CCK-8 release and reduced appetite desire and prospective food consumption in overweight postmenopausal women (RCT), demonstrating a food-derived natural CCK secretagogue for appetite management.
Pasman, Wilrike J; Heimerikx, Jos; Rubingh, Carina M; van den Berg, Robin; O'Shea, Marianne; Gambelli, Luisa; Hendriks, Henk F J; Einerhand, Alexandra W C; Scott, Corey; Keizer, Hiskias G; Mennen, Louise I · RCT
Bioactive peptide gene sequences from milk proteins were cloned into S. thermophilus yogurt starter culture, enabling antimicrobial peptide expression during dairy fermentation — creating enhanced bioactive dairy products with built-in antimicrobial protection.
Renye, J A; Somkuti, G A · In Vitro
Casein-derived (IPP, VPP, alpha-casein fragments) and whey-derived (alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin peptides) ACE-inhibitory peptides lower blood pressure in animal and human studies — the most validated functional food peptides for cardiovascular health.
Saito, Tadao · Review
Despite identical fat content (45 grams, about 60% of meal calories), the four dairy products produced different hormonal and appetite responses. Cheese stood out: it triggered higher plasma pancreatic polypeptide (PP) than butter or whipped cream (measured as incremental area under the curve over 6 hours). Cheese also produced higher cholecystokinin (CCK) than whipped cream. Whipped cream produced the most appetite at 4 hours (compared to cheese and sour cream) and at 6 hours (compared to cheese and butter). This means cheese was the most satiating dairy product, and whipped cream was the least. No significant meal effects were found for hunger ratings, satiety ratings, plasma PYY (peptide YY), or plasma ghrelin. The differences were specific to PP, CCK, and appetite VAS scores.
Hansson, Patrik; Holven, Kirsten B; Øyri, Linn K L; Brekke, Hilde K; Gjevestad, Gyrd O; Rehfeld, Jens F; Raza, Ghulam S; Herzig, Karl-Heinz; Ulven, Stine M · Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial
Gardeniae fructus induced significantly greater GLP-1 secretion than EGCG; molecular docking identified 3-epioleanolic acid and crocin as potential GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Luo, Shiqi; Gill, Harsharn; Feltis, Bryce; Hung, Andrew; Nguyen, Linh Toan; Lenon, George Binh · In Vitro
Optimal dietary curcumin (438 mg/kg) upregulated antimicrobial peptides hepcidin, LEAP-2, and β-defensin while activating Nrf2 antioxidant pathways and suppressing NF-κB inflammatory signaling after bacterial challenge.
Ming, Jianhua; Ye, Jinyun; Zhang, Yixiang; Xu, Qiyou; Yang, Xia; Shao, Xianping; Qiang, Jun; Xu, Pao · Animal
Enzymatic hydrolysis of tuna skin collagen (52.7% degree of hydrolysis) and gelatin (45.2%) produced peptide fractions with significantly enhanced antioxidant activity across multiple molecular weight ranges.
Nurilmala, Mala; Hizbullah, Hanifah Husein; Karnia, Euis; Kusumaningtyas, Eni; Ochiai, Yoshihiro · In Vitro
The intramolecular disulfide bond in bLfcin increased β-turn structure and enhanced antibacterial activity against T. pyogenes mastitis isolates compared to derivatives without the bond.
Pei, Jie; Xiong, Lin; Chu, Min; Guo, Xian; Yan, Ping · In Vitro
Polyphenol-bioactive peptide interactions during digestion can alter the bioavailability and biological function of both compounds, with implications for functional food and nutraceutical design.
Pérez-Gregorio, Rosa; Soares, Susana; Mateus, Nuno; de Freitas, Victor · Review
ERJ-CP at 3 mg/mL extended natural aging Drosophila lifespan by 11.16%, upregulated antioxidant enzymes (T-SOD, GSH-Px, CAT), and reduced oxidative damage markers (MDA, PCO) while improving physical performance.
Qiu, Wenjing; Chen, Xu; Tian, Yongqi; Wu, Daping; Du, Ming; Wang, Shaoyun · Animal Study
Bovine lactoferrin hydrolysate achieved a minimal biofilm inhibitory concentration (MIBC) of 2.5 mg/mL against most staphylococcal strains — 4-8x lower than the minimal inhibitory concentration for direct killing. Purified peptides LFcinB and LFampin showed even lower MIBCs.
Quintieri, Laura; Caputo, Leonardo; Monaci, Linda; Cavalluzzi, Maria Maddalena; Denora, Nunzio · In Vitro
TSCP at 1 mg/mL reduced AAPH-induced hemolysis from 56.35% to 18.78% (p<0.01). At 2.5 mg/10g/day oral dosing, TSCP prolonged exhaustive swimming time while decreasing serum lactic acid, urea nitrogen, and creatine kinase, and increasing glycogen and SOD.
Ren, Yao; Wu, Hui; Chi, Yuanlong; Deng, Ruijie; He, Qiang · Animal Study
Marine collagen and its derivatives (gelatin, peptides) show versatile bioactive properties including potential for tissue engineering, wound healing, dietary supplementation for weight management and glycemic control, with growing preclinical and clinical evidence.
Salvatore, Luca; Gallo, Nunzia; Natali, Maria Lucia; Campa, Lorena; Lunetti, Paola; Madaghiele, Marta; Blasi, Federica Stella; Corallo, Angelo; Capobianco, Loredana; Sannino, Alessandro · Review
The 30% CP diet optimized growth, while 42% CP decreased ghrelin and insulin expression, increased CCK and peptide YY expression, and reduced growth performance compared to moderate protein levels.
Santos, W M; Costa, L S; López-Olmeda, J F; Costa, N C S; Santos, F A C; Oliveira, C G; Guilherme, H O; Bahiense, R N; Luz, R K; Ribeiro, P A P · Animal Study
Digested whey samples were the most potent CCK and GLP-1 stimulators. Digested goat whey produced the highest GLP-1 release (86.33 pg/mL). Fermented mixture whey produced the highest CCK release (80.78 pg/mL). Undigested whey showed weak hormone stimulation.
Sánchez-Moya, T; Planes-Muñoz, D; Frontela-Saseta, C; Ros-Berruezo, G; López-Nicolás, R · In Vitro
The collagen-derived peptide FNLRMQ inhibits ACE activity and protects blood vessel endothelial cells from angiotensin II-induced injury through Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathways.
Cai, Shuilin; Pan, Nan; Xu, Min; Su, Yongchang; Qiao, Kun; Chen, Bei; Zheng, Bingde; Xiao, Meitian; Liu, Zhiyu · In Vitro
Pepsin-treated goat milk casein fraction caused 80.92% apoptotic cell death in HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells, the highest among all enzyme-protein combinations tested.
Cakir, Bilal; Tunali-Akbay, Tugba · In Vitro
AP collagen peptides blocked cortisol-induced GR activation and prevented the suppression of TGF-β signaling and collagen type I production in human dermal fibroblasts, senescent cells, and skin models.
Chae, Minjung; Bae, Il-Hong; Lim, Sung Hwan; Jung, Kyoungmi; Roh, Jonghwa; Kim, Wangi · In Vitro
LfcinB15 kills Candida albicans through at least three mechanisms: membrane disruption, ROS generation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, while activating Hog1 and Mkc1 stress-response kinases.
Chang, Che-Kang; Kao, Mou-Chieh; Lan, Chung-Yu · In Vitro
Sierra fish enzyme-derived squid collagen hydrolysates achieved 82.28% ACE inhibition and 64% ABTS antioxidant activity, with 15.2% of peptides below 3 kDa versus 7.9% from squid enzyme hydrolysates.
Fimbres-Romero, Manuel de J; Cabrera-Chávez, Francisco; Ezquerra-Brauer, Josafat M; Márquez-Ríos, Enrique; Suárez-Jiménez, Guadalupe M; Del Toro-Sanchez, Carmen L; Ramírez-Torres, Giovanni Isaí; Torres-Arreola, Wilfrido · In Vitro
Whey protein for 12 weeks reduced subjective hunger (p=0.02) and increased postprandial peptide YY response (with low fiber), but had no effect on insulin sensitivity, GLP-1, body composition, 24-hour blood pressure, or energy expenditure versus maltodextrin control.
Fuglsang-Nielsen, Rasmus; Rakvaag, Elin; Langdahl, Bente; Knudsen, Knud Erik Bach; Hartmann, Bolette; Holst, Jens Juul; Hermansen, Kjeld; Gregersen, Søren · Randomized Controlled Trial
Tryptophan triggers defensin expression through CaSR activation, reduces LPS-induced IL-1β (75.26 pg/mL) and TNF-α (449.8 pg/mL) levels, and maintains kynurenine homeostasis through CaSR signaling during inflammatory responses.
Gao, Nan; Dou, Xiujing; Yin, Ting; Yang, Yang; Yan, Di; Ma, Ziwen; Bi, Chongpeng; Shan, Anshan · In Vitro + Animal
Lactoferrins and lactoferricins employ diverse antimicrobial mechanisms including iron sequestration, membrane disruption, biofilm inhibition, immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities across bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Gruden, Špela; Poklar Ulrih, Nataša · Review
RS intake significantly improved GLP-1 and PYY gut hormone levels, improved blood glucose (5/8 studies) and insulin sensitivity (2/3 studies). No consistent effect on body weight, body composition, energy intake, or lipid profiles.
Guo, Jiayue; Tan, Libo; Kong, Lingyan · Systematic Review
Three peptide variants were tested: 1. bLfcin (natural, can flex between structures) 2. bLfcin DB (locked with a disulfide bond) 3. bLfcin C36G (mutation prevents disulfide formation) In water, bLfcin and C36G had similar secondary structures. Under less hydrophobic conditions, bLfcin and DB had similar structures. This confirms bLfcin can switch between conformations depending on the environment. All three killed E. coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhimurium, and Shigella flexneri. None were effective against S. aureus. The natural bLfcin showed higher antibacterial activity than both variants, suggesting its ability to change shape gives it an advantage when encountering different bacterial membranes.
Pei, Jie; Xiong, Lin; Bao, Pengjia; Chu, Min; Yan, Ping; Guo, Xian · Basic Research
Three gut peptide hormones — CCK, GLP-1, and PYY — serve as the primary signaling molecules in the satiety system, released by enteroendocrine cells (EECs) in response to specific macronutrients detected through nutrient-sensing receptors. The gut microbiota directly interacts with EECs and modulates hormone release by changing the gut environment and producing metabolites. Diet shapes the microbiome, which shapes hormone release, which shapes brain appetite signals — creating the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). The review proposes that bioactive compounds exploiting these nutrient-sensing mechanisms could become functional foods or drugs for obesity.
Pizarroso, Nuria A; Fuciños, Pablo; Gonçalves, Catarina; Pastrana, Lorenzo; Amado, Isabel R · Review
The biotechnological protocol combined membrane ultrafiltration (to concentrate proteins from waste whey) with fermentation by a selected L. helveticus strain. The fermented product had high anti-ACE activity. Peptides responsible for the activity were identified by mass spectrometry. Their sequences overlapped with known kappa-casein antihypertensive fragments. Fortified ricotta cheese results: - 5% fortification: a 100g portion contained approximately 30 mg of bioactive peptides - Significantly higher anti-ACE activity compared to control and unfermented versions - Moderate changes in texture (increased hardness and chewiness) - Decreased milk odor/taste but improved flavor persistence and sapidity - Microbiological quality was acceptable
Pontonio, Erica; Montemurro, Marco; De Gennaro, Gina Valeria; Miceli, Valerio; Rizzello, Carlo Giuseppe · Basic Research
Bromelain restored GLUT2 and normalized POMC and IGF1R expression in hypothalamic tissue of obese rats.
Ozen Koca, Raviye; Basaran, Mustafa Berk; Solak, Hatice; Solak Gormus, Zulfikare Isik · Animal Study