Plant Peptides

Plant peptides are small bioactive molecules derived from larger precursor proteins by proteolytic cleavage. These molecules have gained considerable attention for their diverse functions; in addition to their role as hormones to provide defense mechanisms against pathogens in plants, natural plant peptides and those produced by hydrolysis of proteins have various physiological and health benefits, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Creative Enzymes provides high quality and highly purified plant peptides that are valuable in a wide range of medical applications due to their diverse functionalities.

Introduction

Plant peptides, small chains of amino acids, play a critical role in plant growth, development and defense. Unlike plant proteins, which are composed of long chains of amino acids, peptides are typically shorter, often consisting of less than 50 amino acids. Enzymatic processes and metabolic pathways secrete these plant peptides. Plant peptides are characterized by their small size and specific amino acid sequences that allow them to interact with various biological targets. These interactions often trigger significant physiological responses, making plant peptides integral to plant health and defense. They are also known for their medicinal value and have been incorporated in therapeutics of major human diseases.

Plant Peptides in Plant Defense and Signaling

Plant peptides play a crucial role in both defense mechanisms and signaling pathways:

Defense: When a plant is attacked by herbivores or pathogens, it activates a complex defense response. Systemin, for example, is released upon herbivore attack and travels through the plant's vascular system to distant tissues, inducing the production of protease inhibitors and other defense compounds. Similarly, defensins are produced in response to pathogen invasion, disrupting the membranes of invading microbes and inhibiting their growth.

Signaling: Peptides like CLV3 and PSK are essential for intercellular communication. CLV3 binds to receptors such as CLAVATA1 (CLV1) and CLAVATA2 (CLV2) to regulate stem cell homeostasis in the shoot apical meristem. This interaction ensures a balance between stem cell proliferation and differentiation, maintaining the meristem’s functionality. PSK, on the other hand, binds to the PSKR1 receptor, triggering signaling cascades that promote cell division and growth.

Bioactivity of Plant Peptides in Human Health

Anti-microbial activity

Plants synthesize a wide variety of antimicrobial peptides and proteins (AMPs) that serve as their primary defense mechanism against pathogens. These peptides are commonly referred to as pathogenesis-related (P.R.) proteins because of their role in the plant's response to pathogens. Plant AMPs offer several advantages: they are tissue specific, small in size, have high specificity for their targets, have a simple structural configuration, can be delivered in a variety of ways, can be easily and rapidly modified, and have minimal antigenicity. Because of these characteristics and advantages, plant AMPs have been used in the development of new, highly effective drugs to combat infections that have become resistant to multiple drugs.

Anti-bacterial activity

Plant ABPs (Anti-Bacterial Peptides/Proteins) have surfaced as promising candidates for a new class of antibiotics, addressing the challenge of multi-drug-resistant pathogens. The first ABP discovered, purothionin, was isolated from Triticum aestivum (wheat) and has shown the ability to inhibit various bacteria, such as Xanthomonas campestris, Corynebacterium michiganens, and Pseudomonas solanacearum.

Anti-fungal activity

Antifungal Peptides/Protein (AFP) are small molecules that serve as the initial defense against fungal pathogens. Most AFPs function by breaking down the fungal cell wall or targeting key components such as sphingolipids and chitin, thereby disrupting cell wall synthesis and inhibiting fungal growth.

Applications of Plant Peptides in Human Health

Immune Support

Bitter melon peptide contains bioactive compounds that inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This action helps to modulate the immune system, enhancing its ability to respond to pathogens. Polygonatum peptide increases the production of white blood cells and improves the activity of macrophages, the cells responsible for engulfing and destroying pathogens. Black soybean peptide, rich in antioxidants, neutralizes free radicals, thereby protecting immune cells from damage and improving their function. Together, these peptides support a robust immune response, enhancing the body's ability to increases

Cardiovascular Health

Lotus seed peptide acts as an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which helps to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. In addition, it reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels, thereby improving overall cardiovascular health. Polygonatum peptide also promotes heart health by improving blood flow and reducing cholesterol levels. It increases nitric oxide production, which dilates blood vessels and improves blood flow, while its antioxidant properties reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. These combined effects help maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Nutritional Supplements

Wheat germ peptide provides a rich supply of amino acids, vitamins and minerals essential for bodily functions, supporting muscle growth, energy metabolism and overall well-being. Polygonatum peptide increases physical and mental endurance by improving mitochondrial function, resulting in increased energy production at the cellular level. Wheat peptide increases endurance and energy, ideal for athletes. It contains branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) that reduce muscle fatigue and improve exercise performance. By providing essential nutrients and increasing energy levels, these peptides support optimal physical and mental health.

Digestive Health

Jujube peptide stimulates the production of digestive enzymes and promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing nutrient absorption and intestinal health. It also has a soothing effect on the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and discomfort. White kidney peptide promotes digestive health and reduces bloating by inhibiting alpha-amylase, an enzyme responsible for carbohydrate digestion. This inhibition slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, reducing gas production and bloating. By improving enzyme activity and gut health, these peptides contribute to a well-functioning digestive system.

Diabetes Management

Bitter melon peptide activates the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway, which increases glucose uptake in muscle cells and reduces hepatic glucose production. It also stimulates the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, improving blood glucose control. These actions make bitter melon peptide a valuable natural agent for managing diabetes and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.

Weight Management

White kidney peptide acts as a natural alpha-amylase inhibitor, blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down carbohydrates into simple sugars. This inhibition reduces the absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine, resulting in lower calorie intake and promoting weight loss. It also helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing hunger and preventing overeating. By reducing carbohydrate absorption, white kidney peptide supports effective weight management.

Skin Health

Wheat germ peptide stimulates fibroblast activity, enhancing the synthesis of collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining skin structure and elasticity. Its antioxidant properties protect skin cells from oxidative damage, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Wheat peptide promotes healthy skin by supporting collagen synthesis and providing essential amino acids required for skin repair and regeneration. Together, these peptides contribute to youthful, healthy skin by stimulating collagen production and protecting against environmental damage.

Sources of plant peptides: the first row: bitter melon, wheat germ, Polygonatum, jujube; the second row: lotus seed, black soybean, white kidney bean, wheat.

In conclusion, the bioactive plant peptides offered by Creative Enzymes provide a wide range of health benefits, from enhancing immune response and cardiovascular health to supporting digestion, managing diabetes, aiding weight loss, and promoting skin health. These peptides harness the power of natural compounds to improve overall well-being and address specific health concerns effectively.