Antidiabetic plant proteins/peptides as complementary and alternative medicine – analytical perspectives

Abstract

Abstract Many of the plant proteins are used as medicinal agents in the treatment of various diseases/disorders as they are produced by using molecular tools of biotechnology. Each protein is unique in its amino acid composition, sequence, subunit structures, size, shape, net charge, iso electric point, solubility, heat stability and hydrophobicity known to play a major role in the isolation and characterization procedures. The study of the protein of interest out of a large number is not possible unless it is obtained in its highly purified and intact form. Extraction, purification and characterization of proteins for different sample types are useful in determining structural, functional and other biological information in the field of pharmacy. Hence, the present review focuses on the sources, isolation, purification and characterization of natural proteins which are proven to be antidiabetic so as to commercialize these drugs (neutraceuticals) to compete with insulin, an ultimate in the treatment of diabetes mellitus.