Therapeutic Potential of Chickpea‐Derived Bioactives: A Review With Perspective of Different In Vitro, Animal, and Human Studies

Chickpea ( Cicer arietinum L.) is an important dietary legume worldwide and provides micronutrients and phytochemicals, including phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, bioactive peptides, dietary fiber, and resistant starch. This narrative review summarizes evidence from in vitro, animal, and human studies on the potential health relevance of chickpea‐derived bioactives. In vitro studies suggest that chickpea phenolics and peptides may contribute to glucose and lipid regulation through α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase inhibition, ACE inhibition, reactive oxygen species scavenging, and modulation of inflammatory pathways such as NF‐κB. Animal studies indicate possible effects on insulin signaling and lipid metabolism, including AMPK activation, increased GLUT‐4 translocation, restoration of PI3K/Akt signaling, enhanced bile acid excretion, short‐chain fatty acid‐associated lipid lowering, low‐density lipoprotein receptor upregulation, regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism enzymes, and preservation of tissue histology. Human studies, however, mainly report acute postprandial effects, including lower glucose or insulin responses, reduced iAUC, changes in gut hormones, and increased satiety, rather than established long‐term therapeutic outcomes. Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects have been associated primarily with preclinical evidence, including polyphenol‐ and peptide‐related reactive oxygen species scavenging and changes in antioxidant defenses such as GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx. However, the current evidence remains limited by the predominance of preclinical studies, few long‐term human trials, insufficient dose–response data, and a lack of standardized extraction and processing protocols. This review highlights both the potential and limitations in available chickpea research.