Bioactive Peptides in Pulses

Pulse proteins are a source of a range of biologically active substances which are inactive within the sequence of native protein but can be released by enzymatic hydrolysis, fermentation, or germination. Pulse-borne bioactive peptides have been found to exhibit various in vitro activities, such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, anticholesterolemic, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial. In addition, several peptides have multifunction properties, especially antihypertensive and antioxidant. Such bioactive peptides may find use in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and oxidative stress. They can be also applied as natural ingredients in food products to increase shelf life. These bioactive peptides may be used in the formulation of functional foods, nutraceuticals, and natural drugs because of their health benefit effects.