Appetite regulation by plant-derived bioactive peptides for promoting health

•Orally administered plant-derived bioactive peptides exhibit appetite-regulating effects.•Bioactive peptides are biochemically linked to hypothalamic signaling molecules in the regulation of appetite and energy homeostasis.•Bioactive peptides can interact with endogenous neuropeptides and hormonal peptides in controlling appetite and food intake.•Plant-derived bioactive peptides may be a novel target for facilitators of a healthy life expectancy.•Bioactive peptides from plant proteins are prominent candidates for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Appetite is closely regulated not only by gut hormonal and neuronal peptides but also by exogenous peptides derived from food proteins. Food proteins are now recognized to contain many thousands of bioactive compounds that provide additional health benefits beyond their nutritional effects. Bioactive peptides are beneficial to the life and/or to regulate physiological functions. Although animal protein products have been widely applied in the food industry, exploring the possibilities of developing functional foods based on plant protein-derived peptides is considered attractive for achieving sustainable development goals. In addition, peptides from plant proteins have the potential to treat numerous diseases or risk factors and may therefore facilitate a healthy life expectancy. In this review, we discuss the identified plant-based bioactive peptides and their appetite regulating effects. Plant-based bioactive peptides may provide new opportunities to discover novel approaches that can improve and prevent diseases in a sustainable environment.