Next generation sequencing identified bio-active peptides: Evaluation of its in vitro, in vivo and in silico anti-inflammatory activities

Recent advances in bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing (NGS) offer extensive molecular data for studying an organism's transcriptome and whole genome. Solanum virginianum , called wild eggplant, is found in India, Australia, used in traditional medicine, it offers antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, hemolytic, and anti-inflammatory benefits. In this study, we have identified and synthesized bioactive peptides from S. virginianum fruit's transcriptome to assess antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The S. virginianum bioactive peptides (SVBPs) were evaluated for antibacterial effects against E. coli , P. aeruginosa , and S. aureus. Antioxidant properties were assessed through Total antioxidant activity (TAA), Ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Lipoxygenase (LOX) and Cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition and in vivo paw edema assay were conducted for anti-inflammatory potential. SVBP-4 exhibited the strongest antibacterial activity against E. coli , with a zone of inhibition measuring 17.1 ± 0.98 mm in diameter. Docking studies confirmed that SVBP-4 interacts most strongly with S. aureus , heme oxygenase 1, LOX, and COX. In contrast, SVBP-1 demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity and showed significant in vitro anti-inflammatory effects, as evidenced by a marked reduction in edema percentage. The potential of these SVBPs as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents highlight the need for further clinical investigation.