Plant-derived bioactive peptides are prized for being safe, effective and non-toxic. This 2024 study set out to identify anti-osteoporotic (bone-protecting) peptides from Moringa oleifera leaf protein and understand how they work.
The team combined network pharmacology, molecular docking and molecular dynamics to screen moringa leaf peptides and map their molecular targets.
Key findings
- Core targets of the anti-osteoporotic peptides were identified as SRC, MAPK1, JUN and STAT3.
- DPYLGK emerged as a representative active peptide from moringa leaf protein.
- SRC was determined to be the likely primary target.
Why it matters for MORIFA: Bone health is a growing nutraceutical segment (especially for ageing populations). Identifying specific bioactive peptides in moringa leaf protein adds cutting-edge, ingredient-level credibility to our leaf products.
Caveat: a computational (in-silico) study; findings need laboratory and clinical confirmation.
Summary of: (2024). “Exploration of anti-osteoporotic peptides from Moringa oleifera leaf protein.” Journal of Functional Foods, 118, 106144. DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2024.106144. Summarised by MORIFA; full paper via the link above.