Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 4, 2025

Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro
Published on: July 5, 2017
Amaranth as a Source of Antihypertensive Peptides
Agustina E Nardo1, Santiago Suárez1, Alejandra V Quiroga1
1Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Criotecnología de Alimentos (CIDCA), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas (CIC-PBA) and Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET- CCT La Plata), La Plata, Argentina.
Amaranth grain proteins release bioactive peptides with antihypertensive properties. These peptides inhibit key enzymes in the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system, offering potential for functional foods.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Biochemistry
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Amaranth, an ancient crop, offers significant nutritional and bioactive compounds.
- Amaranth storage proteins contain encrypted sequences with physiological activities, notably antihypertensive effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements (2008-2020) in amaranth's antihypertensive potential.
- To analyze amaranth peptides' inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS) and their functional food applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on amaranth peptides' interaction with RAAS enzymes (ACE, Renin).
- Analysis of various assay types: in silico, in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo.
- Discussion on incorporating these peptides into functional food matrices.
Main Results:
- Amaranth peptides demonstrate significant inhibition of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) and Renin.
- Evidence suggests modulation of local tissue Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS) by amaranth peptides.
- Bioactive peptides from amaranth show promise for developing antihypertensive functional foods.
Conclusions:
- Amaranth-derived peptides are potent inhibitors of the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone system (RAAS).
- Further research and development are needed to optimize amaranth peptides for functional food applications.
- Amaranth holds potential as a source for novel antihypertensive ingredients.
Related Concept Videos
Antihypertensive Drugs: Direct Renin Inhibitors
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Endothelin Receptor Antagonists
ETs are synthesized through a complex sequence of enzymatic steps, primarily involving an enzyme referred to as endothelin-converting enzyme...
Antihypertensive Drugs: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors

