Plant inhibitors of proteolytic enzymes.

The presence of inhibitors of proteinases was stated in many species of plants. There are macropeptides of the molecular weight ranging from 3700 to 8000, often bound to carbohydrates. Potential sources of inhibitors of proteinases are legumes, cereals, potatoes and also some fruits. They are characterized by different activity. "Single-headed" inhibitors inhibit one type of proteolytic enzyme, when "double-headed" inhibitors, possessing two independent active sites, can inhibit several types of proteolytic enzymes at the same time. They also differ in the resistance to temperature and change of pH. The role and importance of inhibitors of proteinases is not exactly explained. They are used in the pharmaceutical, baking and beer-industry as well as in the therapy of numerous diseases.