Characterization and relationship analysis of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides in pomelo fruitlet albumin

Several macromolecules from the pomelo fruitlet (PF) have demonstrated functional potential in previous research. In this study, pomelo fruitlet albumin (PFA) was extracted from PF, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and its capacity to clear free radicals was measured. Meanwhile, we hypothesize that the amino acid sequence may affect the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and the two may rely on common significant sites within the amino acid sequence. Therefore, we analyzed the amino acid sequence using a quantitative structure–activity relationship model to explore the connection between the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of PFA. Both capacities were closely associated with six sites within the amino acid sequence. Collectively, this study illustrates that PFA exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities, with six specific sites identified as significantly affecting both activities.