Chains of Healing: The Emerging Era of Bioactive Peptides

Bioactive peptides (BAPs) are short amino acid sequences derived from food proteins and other natural sources that exhibit diverse biological functions beyond basic nutrition. Their therapeutic potential spans antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory effects. This review discusses the sources, production methods, functional properties, mechanisms of action, structural characteristics, and current challenges associated with BAPs. Special emphasis is placed on recent advances in peptide engineering, delivery strategies, and clinical evidence supporting their use. Despite promising data, further research is needed to enhance bioavailability, validate efficacy in human trials, and standardize safety evaluations.