التطبيقات العلاجية لمببتيدات المستخلصة منالمخلفات النباتية

Abstract

This study aims to identify the therapeutic applications of bioactive peptides extracted from plant residues and their role in preventive and curative medicine. The research begins by defining agricultural and plant residues and their types, focusing on protein-rich plant by-products and their importance in peptide production. Through this work, we sought to clarify the concept of bioactive peptides, which are encrypted within the structure of parent proteins and become active after protein hydrolysis. Most of these peptides consist of 2 to 20 amino acids. Their sources can be both conventional and unconventional, as they are found in a wide variety of foods, including animal-based sources such as milk and its derivatives, fermented products, as well as plants, their by-products, and marine organisms. Their importance lies in their diverse biological functions, which include antimicrobial, anticancer, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities, along with opioid-like properties, bone-protective effects, and antidiabetic potential. The study also discusses various methods for extracting and purifying peptides from plant residues, whether traditional or modern, and the degree of control over extraction conditions. Furthermore, the research explores the role of plant-derived peptides in the treatment of chronic diseases and reviews their industrial applications, such as their use as dietary supplements and bioactive agents in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. A comparative analytical study was conducted between two types of plant residues (such as quinoa seed cake and pomegranate peels). The study concludes by emphasizing the importance of exploiting plant residues from both economic and environmental perspectives, transforming them into value-added products that contribute to the green economy and waste reduction. Currently, bioactive peptides are being used in the development of pharmaceutical products, functional foods, and cosmetics, demonstrating great potential in the prevention and treatment of diseases.