MKP peptide (Met-Lys-Pro) (10mg)

Cognitive decline is often regarded as a natural part of aging, and the number of individuals affected by dementia is projected to surge. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the leading cause of dementia, brings about memory loss, impaired thinking, and behavioral changes. The onset of physiological changes leading to AD occurs long before visible symptoms emerge, making treatment at clinical stages challenging. Thus, current research aims to intervene in individuals at risk to curtail AD incidence and prevalence.

Recently, attention has shifted to centrally active angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors as a prospective therapy for AD. Increased ACE activity and elevated angiotensin II levels in AD patients’ brains have been linked to neurodegeneration and accelerated brain aging, implicating ACE inhibition as a potential neuroprotective strategy. Particularly, ACE inhibitors with central penetration capability hold promise in preventing neurodegeneration and AD development.

Bioactive peptides derived from food sources have garnered interest for their potential health benefits beyond mere nutrition. These peptides exhibit various activities like antihypertensive, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and mineral binding properties. Among these, the antihypertensive effect due to ACE inhibition has been extensively researched.

Previously, the bovine casein-derived tripeptide Met-Lys-Pro (MKP) demonstrated potent ACE inhibitory activity and an antihypertensive effect in rats. Clinical trials with MKP in humans revealed lowered blood pressure and, notably, oral MKP administration showed potential in preventing cognitive decline in vivo. MKP intake appeared to have neuroprotective effects and enhanced orientation in individuals without dementia. However, due to concerns about the possibility of excessive intake, a study was conducted to evaluate the safety of a higher dosage (1,000 μg) of MKP in healthy adults through a 4-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.