Digestibility, toxicity and metabolic effects of rapeseed and sunflower protein hydrolysates in mice

Abstract

The digestibility (in vitro), toxicity and metabolic effects of rapeseed (RPH) and sunflower (SPH)
\nprotein hydrolysates have been evaluated in a murine animal model. The enzyme AlcalaseVR was
\nemployed to obtain a mild enzymatic hydrolysis of rapeseed and sunflower defatted seed meals
\n(DSM) protein isolates. Both hydrolysates showed higher in vitro digestibility than the respective
\nDSM, presumably as a consequence of the hydrolysis process that they had undergone. In vivo,
\nRPH and SPH were well tolerated. Body and organ weights, biochemical blood parameters from
\ntreated male mice were comparable to controls. Food intake was regular in RPH and SPH animals,
\nsuggesting a good palatability of the hydrolysates. Not relevant perturbations of the principal
\nhepatic and renal drug metabolism enzymes were observed in RPH or SPH mice. In
\nconclusion, protein hydrolysates from sunflower and rapeseed DSM did not determine relevant
\ntoxicological effects; therefore, they could be considered as alternative protein sources and/or
\nfood ingredients.