Biologically active peptides from plant and animal proteins

Abstract

Products of proteolysis of food proteins may play a role of agents regulating different functions in the human organism. The peptides derived from plant-, meat- and egg proteins may decrease the blood pressure, act as opioid agonists and antagonists, cause contraction of smooth muscles, inhibit platelet aggregation and oxidation. The coeliac-toxic peptides are an example of peptides with a negative influence on the human organism. The activity of food-originated peptides has mainly been investigated in vitro. Information published so far refers to biologically active peptides obtained in laboratory scale. Their application as components of so called functional foods (specially designed foods with desired biological activity) can however be expected possible.