ENDOMETRIOSIS research could benefit from further investigation of bioactive peptides derived from Musa acuminata blossoms after an exploratory study identified antioxidant activity and proteins associated with inflammation modulation and hormone regulation.
Researchers examined blossoms from five Musa acuminata varieties to investigate their potential as sources of bioactive peptides. Different buffer systems were assessed for protein extraction, with Tris HCl at pH 8.0 and phosphate at pH 7.0 producing high protein content.
Extracts were subsequently filtered using 10 kDa and 3 kDa membranes. The Sevvazhai variety extracted using Tris HCl achieved the highest recovery percentages: 64.3% with the 10 kDa membrane and 30.9% with the 3 kDa membrane.
Antioxidant testing demonstrated strong free radical scavenging activity, particularly among 3 kDa filtrates obtained from Sevvazhai and Karpooravalli.
Further peptide detection and profiling identified several proteins, including Kunitz type protease inhibitors, non specific lipid transfer proteins, and cytochrome P450 analogues. These proteins were described as being implicated in inflammation modulation and hormone regulation. The Poovan variety had the highest number identified in the plant database, with 15 peptides.
Computer based digestion using trypsin and chymotrypsin was also used to predict the release of bioactive peptides. Predicted cleavage probabilities ranged from a minimum of 30% to a maximum of 100%.
Collectively, the findings identified Musa acuminata blossoms as a potential source of bioactive peptide candidates with antioxidant properties. The results support further investigation of these peptides for functional food and nutraceutical development.
Given the role of oxidative stress highlighted in the context of endometriosis, the researchers suggested that the identified peptides could have potential relevance to its management. However, the exploratory findings establish candidates for future research rather than demonstrating efficacy against endometriosis. Further investigation will therefore be required to determine whether these bioactive properties translate into therapeutic or nutritional applications.
Reference
Sankar K et al. Exploration of bioactive peptides from Musa acuminata blossoms with their potential nutraceutical relevance to the management of endometriosis. J Food Compost Anal. 2026;157(1):109397.
Image credit: Adobestock/Drazen
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