Novel peptides derived from egg white protein inhibiting alpha-glucosidase

The aim of this study was to search and identify potential anti-diabetic peptides with α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities. After the Alcalase hydrolysis, egg white protein hydrolysates were purified and identified by LC–MS–MS. Eight identified peptides were further synthesized by the Fmoc solid-phase synthesis. The anti-diabetic activities of these synthetic peptides were assessed using enzymatic inhibitory assays against the α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Among the eight peptides, peptide RVPSLM was discovered as a potential α-glucosidase inhibitor with an IC₅₀ value at 23.07 μmol L⁻¹. However, it did not exhibit a visible or detectable inhibitory efficiency on the α-amylase. These studies indicate the potential of using egg white protein hydrolysates as a functional food product with the anti-diabetic activity.