In Vivo Antioxidant Potential of Protein Hydrolysates of some Cucurbitaceae Seed

Nowadays, dietary proteins play a very crucial role against oxidation, which is a fundamental process in the occurrence of many diseases.  The aim of this study was to hydrolyze globulin fractions from C. moschata (CMH), C. lanatus (CLH) and L. siceraria (LSH), and to evaluate their in vivo antioxidant potential.  The in vivo antioxidant potential was conducted using in vivo catalase and lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay methods. The total protein content was also estimated using Bio-Rad protein assay and bovine serum albumin methods. For in vivo study, ethanol was induced into test animals for toxicity and oxidative damage for 15 days. The catalase and LOP of serum / liver homogenate were determined. The results showed that globulin hydrolysates decrease the MDA level and increase the catalase level in normal mice. Based on these findings, this study provides information about in vivo antioxidant activities of C. moschata, C. lanatus and L. siceraria hydrolysates. Globulin hydrolysates of L. siceraria showed effective antioxidant properties in vivo models, whereas globulin hydrolysates of C. moschata and C. lanatus exhibited remarkable antioxidant properties, as well. Thus, the results suggest that globulin hydrolysates might be used as a novel source in reducing the risk of oxidative stressed diseases and development of functional foods. Keywords: cucurbitaceae, globulin, antioxidant, trypsin