Bioactive peptides with multiple activities extracted from Barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) grain protein hydrolysates: Biochemical analysis and computational identification

Abstract

Plant‐derived bioactive peptides demonstrate great potential given their availability and cost‐effectiveness. In this study, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain proteins were explored for bioactive peptides with potential health applications. Gross grain proteins were obtained through aqueous extraction, after which, trypsin hydrolysis was performed. The hydrolysis process provided high peptide yields reaching 11%. The peptide hydrolysates were evaluated for their antioxidant and metal chelating activities, DPP4 inhibition, deglycation, and antimicrobial activity. The obtained results demonstrated biological activity levels of great importance and comparable to reference molecules. To confirm the experimental results, barley grain protein sequences were simulated for hydrolysis and explored for potential bioactive peptides using the FeptideDB. Indeed, barley grain proteins contain a great diversity of bioactive peptides with various biological activities. The current data highlights the promising therapeutic application of barley‐derived bioactive peptides. Further molecular and sequencing approaches are necessary to identify and characterize these peptides. Practical applications Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grain proteins are widely used cereals for nutrition and beverages. Their availability and low‐cost make them good sources for functional food exploration. We have described the potential of bioactive peptides obtained from barley grain proteins that have various activities including DPP4 inhibitory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, metal chelating, and deglycation activities. This data supports the potential of these peptides in biomedicine applications as a treatment option or as food supplement. Hence, the described peptide sequences could be exploited and industrialized by artificial synthesis and be proposed as food supplements or included in protein mixes for athletes.

Activity‐guided purification and identification of endogenous bioactive peptides from barley sprouts (Hordeum vulgare L.) with diabetes treatment potential

“…Hence, studies have focused on discovering and utilising antioxidant peptides from natural sources such as plants, seeds, meat, fish, etc ., as an alternative to synthetic molecules. Some studies demonstrated the potential of whole barley consumption or proteins and bioactive peptides extracts as potential T2D treatments in vitro and in vivo (Tok et al ., 2021).…”

“…Bioinformatics has become a significant component in bioactive peptide studies. They are used to predict the potential presence of bioactive peptides inside a specific protein sequence and knowledge about targets and enzymes (Tok et al ., 2021).…”

“…The intake of cereal‐based diets has been associated with many health benefits against chronic diseases (diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular, etc .) (Tok et al ., 2021). Barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) is a cultivated grain used for making bread, barley teas, brewing and animal fodder (Abeynayake et al ., 2022).…”

Exploring Molecular Insights of Cereal Peptidic Antioxidants in Metabolic Syndrome Prevention

“…In the beverage industry, where indignant alcohol consumption has been positively correlated to induce excessive production of ROS, resulting in liver damage, fermented barley is a healthier choice. Fermented barley extracts are linked to improving antioxidant activities by assuaging alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels [ 56 , 91 , 92 ]. Additionally, fermented barley extracts were shown to suppress IL-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factors in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in rats, thus reiterating the anti-inflammatory activities of barley extracts [ 91 ].…”

“…The fundamental principle of the anti-inflammatory effects of fermented barley extracts was related to the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activities and the downregulation of oxidative stress. From the aforementioned, it is evident barley has potential benefits in fighting inflammation-related diseases [ 56 , 92 ].…”