Antidiabetic and Immunomodulatory Properties of Peptide Fractions from Sacha Inchi Oil Press-Cake
peer-reviewed · Foods · 2025
| Date | 2025-03-31 |
| Type | peer-reviewed |
| Venue | Foods |
| Publisher | MDPI AG |
| Contribution | downstream-application |
| DOI | 10.3390/foods14071231 |
| Citations (OpenAlex) | 7 |
| Venue 2-year citedness | 7.08 |
Abstract
Sacha inchi (SI) oil press-cake (SIPC), a by-product of the sacha inchi oil extraction process, represents a novel protein source with potential bioactive applications in food. In this study, a sacha inchi protein concentrate (SPC) derived from SIPC was subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) using the INFOGEST 2.0 protocol. The resulting digests were fractionated by ultrafiltration (10 kDa), and the bioactive properties of the peptide fractions were evaluated. In vitro α-amylase inhibition was assessed, along with immunomodulatory markers (NO, IL-6, and TNF-α), in an ex vivo RAW 264.7 cell model. Both gastric and intestinal digests exhibited significant α-amylase inhibition (20-45%), with the <3 kDa intestinal fraction showing the highest inhibition (45% at 20 mg/mL). Both gastric and intestinal <3 kDa fractions reduced NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages subjected to a lipopolysaccharide challenge. HPLC-MS/MS analysis facilitated de novo sequencing of the peptide fractions, identifying 416 peptides resistant to SGID through the find-pep-seq script, which were further assessed in silico for toxicity, allergenicity, and bioavailability, revealing no significant risks and potential drug-likeness development. Molecular docking simulations of three peptides (RHWLPR, RATVSLPR, and QLSNLEQSLSDAEQR) with α-amylase and four peptides (PSPSLVWR, RHWLPR, YNLPMLR, and SDTLFFAR) with the TLR4/MD-2 complex suggesting potential roles in α-amylase inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity, respectively. The findings suggest that SI protein concentrates could be used in functional foods to prevent starch breakdown through α-amylase-inhibiting peptides released during digestion, reduce blood glucose, and mitigate inflammation and oxidative tissue damage.
Methods and tools
- Sacha inchi digest bioactive peptides: De novo sequencing of simulated-digestion fractions of Sacha inchi press-cake found peptides with alpha-amylase-inhibiting and anti-inflammatory potential.
Methods it uses
- PEAKS: Commercial DP-based de novo