Rapeseed Meal as a Sustainable Source of Proteins, Peptides, and Phenolics: Composition, Interactions, and Functional Potential

Rapeseed meal (RSM) represents one of the most abundant yet underutilized alternative plant protein sources, offering a compelling nutritional profile and diverse bioactive compounds with direct relevance to human nutrition and health. Its major storage proteins, including 12S globulin cruciferin and 2S albumin napin, along with phenolic compounds, have been associated with antioxidant, antihypertensive, and potential antimicrobial activities. Beyond these health-promoting properties, RSM-derived storage proteins are emerging building blocks for nanocarriers, with potential applications in drug delivery systems. Recent studies have advanced extraction, purification, and modification strategies for RSM bioactive compounds. However, relatively little attention has been given to how specific molecular interactions between phenolics and proteins modulate functional properties and bioactivity. This review, therefore, provides an updated analysis of the bioactive profile of RSM bioactive compounds, the associated phenolic–protein interactions, and their functional potential. Additionally, we also discuss the current challenges and future opportunities for integrating RSM bioactive compounds into biotechnology and multi-product biorefinery schemes.