CHAPTER 5: Legume Bioactive Peptides

Legume seeds are a rich source of protein, from which bioactive peptides can be released either during gastrointestinal digestion or through processing. Research on legume protein hydrolysates and their biological potential has been related to type 2 diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and obesity. In silico approaches can be used to predict peptides that could be generated from different protein sources. The objective of this chapter was to review the literature regarding the biological potential of legume peptides generated by hydrolysis of main storage proteins from selected legumes and to evaluate their biological potential using in silico approaches. Common bean, lentil, peanut, chickpea, and pea main storage proteins were hydrolyzed in silico using the peptidecutter tool. Furthermore, the biological potential of generated amino acid sequences was predicted using the Biopep database. Legume generated bioactive sequences showed high potential to inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase IV, followed by angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition and antioxidant capacity. Legume seed proteins are a rich source of potentially bioactive peptides that could be used in the generation of functional ingredients with potential to prevent noncommunicable diseases.