Food-derived bioactive molecules as regulators of lipid metabolism: Discovery, molecular targets, applications and perspectives

Abstract

Understanding how food-derived bioactive molecules regulate lipid metabolism has become a central issue in molecular nutritional science. Recent advances have demonstrated that these molecules function not merely as nutrients but as signaling regulators acting on specific molecular targets. This review summarizes the discovery and molecular mechanisms of food-derived peptides, proteins, amino acids, and polyphenols involved in lipid metabolism. Lactostatin (IIAEK), soystatin (VAWWMY), FP, and RPR regulate intestinal and hepatic lipid metabolism through IAP-, bile acid (taurocholic acid) -, PepT1-, and PPARα-mediated pathways, whereas MRJP1 from royal jelly, sulfur amino acids (cysteine, SMCS), and polyphenols (EGCG, ellagic acid, eugeniin, rose polyphenol) modulate complementary metabolic networks. Together, these findings establish a new paradigm in which structurally diverse food-derived bioactive molecules regulate lipid metabolism through distinct molecular targets. This concept provides a mechanistic framework for the development of next-generation functional foods, precision nutrition, and food-inspired therapeutics for metabolic diseases.