Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of bioactive peptides derived from enzyme treated goat milk Casein

Abstract

Goat milk is particularly rich in protein content leading to profound nutritional significance. Majority of biological activities of milk is attributed to the milk protein casein and the bioactive peptides derived from it. Majority of the drugs available in the market to treat parasitic worm infections, have common side effects leading to limitations of their use. The present work was designed with the aim to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of bioactive peptides derived from goat milk casein upon treatment with proteolytic enzymes Trypsin, Chymotrypsin and Pepsin. From goat milk, casein was isolated and treated with different enzymes separately. Bioactive peptides obtained were analysed for their anthelmintic effects using in-vitro method. Albendazole was used as standard for the experimental purpose. As compared to the standard, only peptic and tryptic hydrolysates showed better anthelmintic activity. The data obtained from the present study hence proved that bioactive peptides released by peptic and tryptic digestion of goat milk casein contains significant health effects thereby suggesting their potential use in future as neutraceuticals for the treatment of helmintic infections without having any side effects.