Identification and Molecular Mechanism of Anti-Aging Low-Molecular-Weight Peptides from Quinoa Bran

The increasing burden of age-related degenerative diseases highlights the need for novel preventive strategies. Plant-derived active peptides have garnered attention due to their high bioactivity, low molecular weight, ease of absorption, minimal toxicity, and low immunogenicity. The high protein content of quinoa makes it an extremely valuable raw material for generating protein-derived bioactive peptides. In this study, based on the active peptides (QBPP) found from quinoa bran in previous research, peptide extracts with a molecular weight less than 3kD (QBPP-L) were further isolated and purified, which exhibited significant anti-aging activity both in vivo and in vitro. QBPP-L significantly downregulated the expression of aging-related markers (SA-β-Gal, p53, p21, and p16) in NIH-3T3 cells through inhibition of the p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, it ameliorated oxidative stress (SOD, MDA, CAT) and enhanced neuroprotective effects in aged mouse models. In summary, the study highlights the anti-aging activity of QBPP-L in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that QBPP-L from quinoa bran is a promising natural bioactive ingredient with anti-aging properties, supporting its potential development for functional foods aimed at healthy aging.