bowman-birk inhibitor

Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI) is a soybean-derived serine protease inhibitor that has been extensively studied for its potential as a cancer chemopreventive and anti-inflammatory agent. It is a small, cysteine-rich protein (~8 kDa) characterized by a unique structure containing two independent inhibitory domains: one targeting trypsin and the other targeting chymotrypsin. By inhibiting these proteases, BBI is thought to suppress the proteolytic activities associated with malignant transformation and the inflammatory response. In clinical development, it is typically administered as Bowman-Birk inhibitor concentrate (BBIC), a soy-derived extract enriched with the protein. Research has primarily focused on its use in preventing oral, prostate, and lung cancers, as well as treating inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis.

Other names

BBIBowman-Birk protease inhibitorsoybean-derived Bowman-Birk inhibitorBowman-Birk inhibitor concentrate