The neuroprotective and antioxidant activities of protein hydrolysates from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) skin.

To observe the neuroprotective and antioxidant activities of the grass carp protein hydrolysates (GPH) obtained from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) skin by enzymatic hydrolysis. GPH prepared using Protamex, at different (5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 %) degrees of hydrolysis (DH) were investigated. The DPPH radial scavenging, reducing power and inhibition of linoleic acid oxidation activities of GPH were significantly improved by a low DH (5 %) compared with those of GPH with a higher DH (p < 0.05). A low degree of enzymatic hydrolysis was appropriate to obtain GPH with improved neuroprotective activities. These results suggest that the control of the DH may be an effective strategy to modify specific neuroprotective and antioxidant activities of GPH, and GPH has potential as a functional food ingredient for related functional and health benefits.