Extraction, bioactive function and application of wheat germ protein/peptides: A review

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Science
• Gerontology
• Food Science

Background:

• Aging populations and age-related diseases present global challenges.
• Dietary bioactive substances are crucial for healthy aging.
• Wheat germ protein/peptides (WGPs) are underutilized resources with potential health benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review extraction methods for WGPs.
• To explore the potential anti-aging activities and mechanisms of WGPs.
• To highlight the functional properties and future research directions for WGPs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of WGP extraction techniques.
• Analysis of reported bioactive properties of WGPs.
• Assessment of physicochemical characteristics of WGPs.

Main Results:

• Various extraction methods yield different WGPs.
• WGPs exhibit potential antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and gut microbiota regulatory activities.
• WGPs possess favorable functional properties like foamability and emulsification.

Conclusions:

• WGPs are a promising source of bioactive compounds for healthy aging.
• Further in vitro and in vivo studies are essential to validate WGP bioactivity and mechanisms.
• Optimizing WGP isolation and understanding their health impacts can enhance human well-being.