Antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities of selenium-enriched peptides isolated from Cardamine violifolia protein hydrolysate

Cardamine violifolia is a selenium (Se)-enriched plant in China. In this study, we prepared Se-enriched peptides (SPE) from C. violifolia by enzymatic hydrolysis. The peptides were then separated by ultrafiltration. The fraction with the highest in vitro antioxidant activity, SPE4, was obtained. Mice treated with SPE4 in D-galactose induced oxidative stress model showed significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activities and glutathione (GSH) content and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl content in plasma and tissues. Furthermore, the in vivo anti-fatigue activities of SPE4 were evaluated by exhaustive swimming experiments. The weight-loaded swimming time of mice was prolonged by taking SPE4. The blood lactic acid (BLA) and urea nitrogen (BUN) content was decreased, and the level of hepatic glycogen (HG) was increased. Therefore, Se-enriched peptides form C. violifolia may be a beneficial ingredient to use in functional foods.