Food-derived Peptides as Promising Neuroprotective Agents: Mechanism and Therapeutic Potential

Many food-derived peptides have the potential to improve brain health and slow down neurodegeneration. Peptides are produced by the enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins from different food sources. These peptides have been shown to be involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, neuro-transmission modulation, and gene expression regulation. Although few peptides directly affect chromatin remodeling and histone alterations, others indirectly affect the neuroprotection process by interfering with epigenetic changes. Fish-derived peptides have shown neuroprotective properties that reduce oxidative stress and improve motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease models. Peptides from milk and eggs have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation and improve cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease models. These peptides are potential therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, but more study is required to assess their efficacy and the underlying neuroprotective benefits. Consequently, this review concentrated on each mechanism of action used by food-derived peptides that have neuroprotective advantages and applications in treating neurodegenerative diseases. This article highlights various pathways, such as inflammatory pathways, major oxidant pathways, apoptotic pathways, neurotransmitter modulation, and gene regulation through which food-derived peptides interact at the cellular level.