corn oligopeptide

Corn oligopeptide (COP) is a bioactive peptide mixture derived from corn gluten meal or zein proteins through enzymatic hydrolysis. It is primarily composed of small peptides with molecular weights under 1000 Daltons, which facilitates high water solubility and rapid absorption by the human body. COP exhibits several biological activities, most notably the inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which mediates antihypertensive effects by reducing vascular tone and angiotensin production. Additionally, it modulates the Sirtuin and Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways, contributing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. COP has been studied for its potential in managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and alcohol-induced liver damage, and has been evaluated in clinical trials as a nutritional support for post-surgical liver cancer patients. It is typically categorized as a functional food ingredient or nutraceutical rather than a conventional pharmaceutical drug.

Other names

corn oligopeptidesCOPCOPscorn gluten meal hydrolysate