Bioactive Peptides from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) as Modulators of the Gut Microbiome: A Scoping Review of Preclinical Evidence

Background: Gut microbiome dysbiosis is implicated in numerous chronic diseases. While quinoa possesses a rich nutritional profile with prebiotic potential, the specific capacity of its bioactive peptides to modulate gut microbial communities is not well understood. This scoping review systematically maps the preclinical evidence on the gut microbiome modulatory effects of quinoa-derived bioactive peptides to identify mechanisms, characterize their therapeutic potential, and guide future clinical translation. Methods: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched six databases for preclinical studies investigating quinoa-derived peptides or hydrolysates and their effects on gut microbiota. Results: From 834 records, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. Quinoa interventions demonstrated consistent effects, with 83% of studies reporting enhancement of beneficial genera and 67% an increase in alpha diversity. Disease-specific microbial signatures were observed; for instance, obesity models showed a reduced Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, while colitis models exhibited decreased Proteobacteria. Butyrate production was consistently enhanced. Methodologically, peptide generation has evolved from traditional fermentation toward more efficient enzymatic hydrolysis. Conclusions: Preclinical evidence strongly suggests that quinoa-derived bioactive peptides act as robust, context-dependent modulators of the gut microbiome. These findings position quinoa as a promising functional ingredient for precision gut health interventions, though clinical translation requires standardized preparations and validation in human trials.