The bioactive benefits of Chenopodium quinoa crude protein: From antibacterial to anticancer properties

This study explores the multifaceted attributes of quinoa crude protein, shedding light on its potential applications in various fields. Quinoa is a crop with great potential because of its high nutritious contents and is the subject of growing interest due to its potential health benefits. This research aims to uncover the properties and applications of quinoa crude protein, including its protein content, antimicrobial potential, protease activity, and anticancer potential. Extracted crude protein from Quinoa seed was estimated using the Folin Lowry method, and SDS-PAGE to identify distinct protein profiles. The antimicrobial activity of the crude protein was assessed through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). Protease activity was measured, and the cytotoxicity of the crude protein was determined on various cell lines. The study found that quinoa crude protein contains 0.354 mg/gm of protein, though this may vary based on quinoa variety and growth conditions. SDS-PAGE analysis identified four prominent proteins with minimal disruption during extraction. The protein exhibited strong antimicrobial potential, with low MIC values against specific bacterial strains. The quinoa crude hydrolysate displayed significant protease activity, indicating potential industrial applications. The cytotoxicity of the protein was dose-dependent, with a notable impact on cancer cells. Quinoa crude protein holds promise for diverse applications. Its variable protein content, antimicrobial potential, protease activity, and cytotoxic effects on cancer cells all suggest its potential in fields ranging from nutrition and health to biotechnology and industry.