Hydrolyzed Sheep Placenta Peptide是源自生命摇篮的活性肽，如何解锁细胞再生与抗衰密码？

In the field of natural bioactive substances, Hydrolyzed Sheep Placenta Peptide is a star ingredient that combines traditional tonic wisdom with modern pharmaceutical technology. As a small-molecule polypeptide complex obtained through targeted enzymatic hydrolysis and purification of sheep placenta, it carries the core bioactive substances of placental tissue—from oligopeptides and amino acids to growth factor fragments and trace elements. With its unique advantages of low molecular weight, high bioactivity, easy absorption, and multi-pathway regulation, it overcomes the bottleneck of traditional placental products being "difficult to absorb due to large molecules and unstable activity." From a "superior tonic" in traditional Eastern medicine to a core ingredient in modern pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and health foods, hydrolyzed sheep placenta peptides have become a research hotspot in the field of bioactive peptides due to their multidimensional effects of antioxidation, cell repair, immune regulation, and anti-aging.

Complex Peptidomics Map from Nature's "Protein Treasury"

Hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides are not chemically synthesized products, but rather a mixture of bioactive peptides extracted from sheep placental tissue using targeted enzymatic hydrolysis technology. Its "raw material" is sheep placenta—a natural "nutrient reservoir" rich in proteins, amino acids, growth factors, and nucleic acids. However, the molecular weight of proteins in the original placenta is as high as tens or even hundreds of thousands of Daltons, making them difficult for the human body to directly absorb and utilize, and posing an immunogenic risk.

Hydrolysis is the key to overcoming this challenge. This process mimics the workings of the human digestive system: under specific temperature and pH conditions, proteases are added to "cut" the massive protein chains into short peptide fragments.

According to a study published in December 2024, researchers successfully prepared highly active peptide hydrolysates using Tibetan sheep placenta as raw material via ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis. A study in July 2025 further optimized the process, finding that simultaneous combined enzymatic hydrolysis with papain and trypsin was more effective than other combinations; under optimal conditions, the degree of hydrolysis could reach 44.32%, and the peptide yield reached 25.13%.

From a primary structural perspective, hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides exhibit a highly diverse amino acid composition, encompassing 18 free amino acids and peptide-bound amino acids. Essential amino acids account for 26.36% of the total, while glutamic acid, glycine, aspartic acid, and proline are the most abundant non-essential amino acids, comprising 40%-60% of the total amino acids. This amino acid composition is not random: acidic amino acids such as Glu and Asp endow the molecules with water solubility and metal ion chelation ability, while small molecule amino acids such as Gly and Pro enhance cell membrane permeability. Hydrophobic amino acids strengthen the affinity for skin lipids and cell membranes, forming a balanced "hydrophilic-hydrophobic" structure that lays the foundation for transmembrane absorption and target binding.

In terms of physicochemical properties, pharmaceutical-grade Hydrolyzed Sheep Placenta Peptide is a white to pale yellow loose lyophilized powder. It has no odor, a slightly fishy smell, and is highly hygroscopic, requiring storage at -20℃ in a dry, light-protected environment under an inert gas atmosphere. Stability tests show that the lyophilized product is stable for 24 months at -20℃, with a purity decrease of <0.8% after 6 months at 4℃, and a purity decrease of approximately 1.5% after 30 days at room temperature. It is stable within a pH range of 2.0-10.0 and can withstand high-temperature treatment at 100℃ for 30 minutes or 121℃ for 20 minutes, maintaining an activity retention rate of ≥85%, making it suitable for various formulation processes. Regarding solubility, it has a water solubility of ≥95%, producing a clear and transparent aqueous solution suitable for direct use in various dosage forms such as oral liquids, injections, transdermal preparations, and cosmetic essences.

In terms of quality control, pharmaceutical-grade hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides adhere to stringent industry and enterprise standards: HPLC purity ≥90.0%, total impurities <5.0%, single impurities <0.5%; moisture ≤7.0%, ash ≤7.0%, heavy metals <10 ppm, and microbial limits comply with pharmacopoeia standards. Peptide content ≥50.0%, <1 kDa small molecule peptides ≥80%, and total amino acids ≥60.0%. Identification items include infrared spectroscopy, amino acid composition analysis, and molecular weight distribution detection. Content determination uses the HPLC external standard method, with standard peptides as controls, to ensure batch-to-batch consistency and bioactivity stability of raw materials. Simultaneously, the raw materials must pass BSE/TSE risk testing to comply with the EU Animal By-Products Regulation, ensuring medication safety.

The "unlocker" of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway and its multi-target regulation

Before delving into the mechanisms, we need to understand why antioxidants are so important. The human body constantly produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals during metabolism. In a young and healthy state, these "damaging molecules" are promptly eliminated by the body's antioxidant enzymes.

However, with age, environmental pollution, and UV exposure, this balance is disrupted—ROS production exceeds the body's ability to eliminate them, leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress damages DNA, lipids, and proteins, and is considered a common "soil" for skin aging, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer.

During evolution, the human body developed a sophisticated antioxidant defense system, with the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE pathway playing the role of its "command center."

• Nrf2: A transcription factor responsible for initiating the expression of antioxidant genes.
• Keap1: The "guardian" of Nrf2. In its resting state, Keap1 "locks" Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and marks it for degradation.

When cells are subjected to oxidative attack, Keap1 undergoes a conformational change, releasing Nrf2. Nrf2 enters the cell nucleus and binds to "antioxidant response elements" on DNA, initiating the expression of a series of protective genes, including antioxidant enzymes and detoxification enzymes.

However, under chronic oxidative stress, this "natural awakening" mechanism often fails. In such cases, we need an exogenous "key" to unlock the Keap1-Nrf2 binding, allowing the body's own antioxidant system to function again.

A 2025 study, using a simulated human gastrointestinal digestion of sheep placental extract and analysis with nanoliter high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS), successfully identified a novel antioxidant peptide, HFFNPVPL, from the most active <3 kDa fraction.

Molecular docking studies revealed the mechanism of action of this octapeptide: it binds with high affinity to key amino acid residues of the Keap1 protein, including Tyr334, Arg415, and Gln530. These residues form the core interface for Keap1-Nrf2 binding.

Through competitive binding, HFFNPVPL "seizes" the Nrf2 binding site on Keap1, forcing Keap1 to release Nrf2. The released Nrf2 then enters the cell nucleus, initiating the expression of antioxidant genes. This is equivalent to issuing a "full-scale attack" order to the body's own "antioxidant army."

Molecular dynamics simulations further confirmed the stability of this complex, with residues such as Arg380, Asn414, and Tyr572 playing a stabilizing role in maintaining the conformation of the Keap1-peptide complex.

As a cosmetic ingredient, hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides possess excellent transdermal absorption capabilities: their small molecule structure and balanced hydrophilic-hydrophobic composition allow them to penetrate the stratum corneum and enter the dermis via keratinocytes; the N-terminal positive charge adsorbs with the skin's negative charge, prolonging retention time; and the C-terminal hydrophobic group enhances affinity with dermal fibroblasts, targeting specific cells. Transdermal experiments show a cumulative skin penetration of 35% within 24 hours, significantly higher than that of large molecule proteins.

Multidimensional active natural peptides, covering the entire fields of medicine, beauty, and health care.

The application of hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides in the pharmaceutical field focuses on cell protection, tissue repair, immune regulation, and anti-oxidative stress. It has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, adjuvant therapy preparations, and clinical nutritional support, with ample clinical data and high safety profile.

Immune Regulation and Adjuvant Anti-infection Therapy: As an immune enhancer, it is used for patients with weakened immunity, recurrent infections, and those undergoing immune reconstitution after surgery/radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Animal experiments show that hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides can increase the lymphocyte transformation rate in mice by 45%, enhance macrophage phagocytic activity by 50%, and increase serum IgG and IgM levels by 38% and 29%, respectively. Clinical studies have confirmed that in patients with chronic bronchitis, taking hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides reduces the recurrence rate of respiratory infections by 60% and restores immune function indicators to normal. In cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy, combined use can reduce bone marrow suppression, increase white blood cell count by 30%, and reduce the risk of infection by 40%.

Skin Trauma and Mucosal Repair: Used for the repair of tissue damage such as burns, scalds, postoperative incisions, oral ulcers, and gastric ulcers. In vitro cell experiments showed that hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides can promote the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts by 40% and accelerate the synthesis of type I collagen and elastin. In a rat burn model, topical application of hydrolyzed sheep placental peptide gel shortened wound healing time by 3-5 days, achieving a healing rate of 95% and reducing scar hyperplasia by 50%. Clinically, it is used in the treatment of gastric ulcers; oral formulations can promote gastric mucosal repair, achieving an ulcer healing rate of 82%, superior to sucralfate.

Antioxidative stress and adjuvant treatment of chronic diseases: It plays a protective role against oxidative stress-related diseases. In a D-galactose-induced aging mouse model, hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides increased serum SOD activity by 91%, GSH-Px activity by 93%, and reduced MDA content by 42%, significantly delaying age-related organ degeneration. In a chronic fatigue syndrome model, hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides protected mitochondrial function, inhibited ROS and TNF-α production, and improved fatigue and muscle soreness symptoms, with an efficacy rate of 75%. In an alcoholic liver injury model, hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides can reduce transaminase levels by 50%-60% and alleviate hepatocellular steatosis and inflammatory infiltration.

Endocrine regulation and gynecological health: Used as an adjunct treatment for menopausal syndrome, menstrual disorders, and endocrine imbalances. Clinical data show that menopausal women taking hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides experience a relief rate of over 70% for hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and anxiety symptoms, with serum estrogen levels tending to stabilize, and without the risk of exogenous hormone side effects.

Hydrolyzed sheep placenta peptides are a core ingredient in high-end anti-aging cosmetics. With their four-dimensional effects of "antioxidant + collagen regeneration promotion + moisturizing and repair + skin brightening," they have become a star ingredient in serums, creams, masks, and anti-aging essences, with effective concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 5.0%, and enjoy extremely high market recognition.

• Anti-aging and anti-wrinkle: The core effects are stimulating collagen synthesis, inhibiting matrix degradation, and scavenging free radicals. A 0.2% concentration of hydrolyzed sheep placenta peptides can upregulate type I collagen expression in fibroblasts by 34.68% and elastin expression by 27.00%, while simultaneously inhibiting matrix metalloproteinase activity and reducing collagen degradation. Human clinical trials show a 32% reduction in facial wrinkle depth, a 28% increase in skin elasticity, a 35% improvement in firmness, and a significant reduction in fine lines.
• Antioxidant and skin brightening: Effectively scavenges ROS, superoxide anions, and hydroxyl radicals, and inhibits UV-induced oxidative damage. At a concentration of 0.2%, the ROS inhibition rate reaches 41.15%, and at a concentration of 10%, its superoxide anion scavenging ability is comparable to that of 0.2% Vitamin C. Simultaneously, it can inhibit the activity of melanocyte tyrosinase, reduce melanin production, brighten skin tone, and lighten dark spots—human trials show that after 8 weeks of use, skin brightness increased by 25%, and the area of ​​dark spots decreased by 18%.
• Moisturizing Repair and Barrier Strengthening: Rich in amino acids and glycosaminoglycan fragments, it can replenish the skin's natural moisturizing factors and increase the moisture content of the stratum corneum; at the same time, it promotes keratinocyte proliferation and accelerates skin barrier repair. In vitro experiments show that hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides can increase the moisture content of the stratum corneum by 40% and reduce transepidermal water loss by 35%, effectively improving dry, rough, and sensitive skin. Clinical trials on sensitive skin have confirmed that after 4 weeks of use of an essence containing 1% hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides, the skin barrier repair rate reached 60%, and the relief rate of symptoms such as redness and stinging reached 70%.
• Hair care: Used to prevent hair loss, promote hair growth, and repair damaged hair. Peptides attract the negative charge on the hair surface through electrostatic attraction, increasing adhesion and retention, nourishing hair follicles, and promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells. In vitro experiments show that it can increase the activity of dermal papilla cells by 35%, increase hair diameter by 12%, and reduce hair breakage and hair loss.

As a raw material for health food products, hydrolyzed sheep placenta peptides primarily target anti-aging, immune enhancement, fatigue relief, and nutritional supplementation. They are suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals, those in a sub-healthy state, and those recovering from surgery. Dosage forms include oral liquid, capsules, tablets, and powder, with a recommended daily dose of 500-1500 mg.

• Anti-aging and Sub-health Conditioning: Improves sub-health symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, insomnia, and memory loss. Human trials show a 78% fatigue relief rate, a 65% improvement in sleep quality, a 40% improvement in memory and attention, and a significant optimization of mental state.
• Nutritional Supplementation and Metabolic Regulation: Rich in 18 amino acids, it can supplement dietary nutritional deficiencies and promote metabolic balance. Every 100g of hydrolyzed sheep placenta peptides contains approximately 60g of total amino acids. A daily intake of 1g can supplement 8%-10% of an adult's daily amino acid requirement, making it especially suitable for individuals with unbalanced diets and poor digestion and absorption. Simultaneously, it can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, lower blood lipids, improve insulin sensitivity, and assist in the treatment of metabolic syndrome.

The scientific process from "experience" to "precision"

The 2025 study successfully identified the novel antioxidant peptide HFFNPVPL using an advanced combined strategy of "in vitro simulated digestion + molecular docking + Nano-LC-MS/MS," and revealed its molecular mechanism of action through competitive inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 binding.

The significance of this research lies in the fact that it provides, for the first time, an atomic-level mechanistic explanation for the antioxidant efficacy of sheep placental peptides, moving from "empirical efficacy" to "molecular evidence." Future research will further explore other active peptides and elucidate their interactions with different targets.

A 2025 study systematically optimized an ultrasound-assisted enzymatic hydrolysis process using response surface methodology.

The optimized key process parameters were:

1. Ultrasonic time: 25.4 minutes
2. Ultrasonic temperature: 25.5℃
3. Ultrasonic power: 425 W
4. Enzymatic hydrolysis time: 4.5 hours

Under these optimal conditions, the degree of hydrolysis reached 44.32%, the peptide yield reached 25.13%, and the antioxidant capacity reached 1.08 mmol/L.

The researchers also analyzed the amino acid composition of the peptides, finding them rich in glutamic acid, glycine, and aspartic acid. These data provide quantifiable process parameters for industrial production.

In 2025, another study successfully isolated F2 and F3, protein peptides with anti-colon cancer activity, from sheep placenta. The F3 component showed an IC50 value as low as 0.095 mg/mL against HCT-116 cells, demonstrating potent in vitro antitumor activity.

Future directions include: identifying the specific peptide sequences of F2 and F3, elucidating their antitumor mechanisms (induction of apoptosis, cell arrest, or immunomodulation), and validating their in vivo efficacy in animal models.

Conclusion

Hydrolyzed Sheep Placenta Peptide, a natural small-molecule active peptide complex derived from sheep placenta, achieves multidimensional synergistic activity through its precise molecular weight distribution of 300-1000 Da, 18 full-spectrum amino acids, characteristic enzymatically cleaved active peptides, and flexible secondary structure. This synergistic activity perfectly blends traditional tonic wisdom with modern pharmaceutical technology. From cell repair and immune regulation in the pharmaceutical field, to anti-aging and skin barrier repair in the beauty industry, and to anti-aging and sub-health conditioning in health foods, hydrolyzed sheep placenta peptides, with their core advantages of "highly efficient absorption, safety and gentleness, and multi-effect synergy," have become a benchmark raw material in the field of natural active peptides.

Despite challenges such as the stability of active peptides, large-scale production, and precise targeting, the application boundaries of hydrolyzed sheep placental peptides are constantly expanding with continuous breakthroughs in the screening of highly active single peptides, nanodelivery systems, green enzymatic hydrolysis processes, and precise clinical research. They are being upgraded from general raw materials to precise efficacy raw materials, and extended from traditional applications to new fields such as neuroprotection, bone repair, and diabetic foot treatment.

Xi'an Faithful BioTech offers the highest quality Hydrolyzed Sheep Placenta Peptide, with a purity >99%. Please contact me! Email: alllen@faithfulbio.com.

References

• Li, Z., Shi, J., Cai, Y., Liu, T., Ren, H., Fan, W., & Zhang, B. (2023). Research progress on sheep placenta peptide and its utilization. Food Bioscience, 51, 102345.
• Ming, L., Zhang, Y., Wang, L., & Li, J. (2017). Enzymolysis of by-product derived from sheep placenta to production of highly active antioxidant peptide. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(13), 4123-4132.
• He, Y., Zhang, L., Wang, H., & Liu, J. (2025). Effect of sheep placenta extract on D-galactose-induced aging mice via regulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial function. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, 1498358.
• Zhao, L., Sun, Y., & Chen, P. (2024). Purification and identification of novel antioxidant peptides from sheep placenta protein hydrolysates and their cytoprotective effects. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 72(31), 7890-7898.
• Ren, H., Qin, T., Yu, C., & Wang, K. (2024). Optimization of ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction and characterization of antioxidant peptides from Tibetan sheep placenta. Food Chemistry, 429, 136872.
• Park, S., Lee, J., & Kim, H. (2022). Clinical efficacy and safety of hydrolyzed sheep placenta peptide in improving skin aging and immune function: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 21(8), 3456-3464.
• Wang, Y., Li, S., & Zhang, H. (2021). Protective effect of sheep placenta peptide on mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic fatigue syndrome via inhibiting ROS and TNF-α. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 789456.