Bioactive peptides: from preclinical to clinical studies

Growing interest in the relationship between dietary components and health has intensified research efforts, particularly concerning bioactive peptides. Despite substantial investigations over the past three decades, the therapeutic potential of these peptides remains underutilized. This review summarizes recent scientific evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials to evaluate the physiological effects of protein hydrolysates and purified peptide fractions. This highlights emerging findings on their impact across multiple biological systems, with a particular focus on metabolic health, cardiovascular regulation, and immune function.

Preclinical studies have provided substantial evidence that protein hydrolysates may improve or prevent metabolic disorders related to obesity, glucose homeostasis, and cardiovascular function. These hydrolysates are also widely incorporated into specialized formulas for allergic infants and have demonstrated modulatory effects on adaptive immune responses. Emerging research has highlighted the intestinal epithelium as a principal site of action, particularly through mechanisms involving gut hormone release and microbiota modulation. Nevertheless, the potential involvement of alternative pathways, whether direct or indirect, via diverse signalling cascades cannot be excluded. Although the clinical evidence remains limited, the number of human studies investigating these effects is steadily increasing.

Protein hydrolysates exhibit significant potential in supporting metabolic and cardiovascular health and in modulating immune function. Their incorporation into food or pharmaceutical formulations requires the validation of these benefits through rigorous clinical trials.