Preventive and treatment effects of a hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) meal protein hydrolysate against high blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Hemp seed protein and its hydrolysate compared with casein protein consumption in adults with hypertension: a double-blind crossover study

BACKGROUND

The effects of consuming hemp seed protein (HSP) as well as its hydrolysate-derived bioactive peptide (HSP+) on blood pressure (BP) has not, to our knowledge, been investigated in humans.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to investigate how consumption of HSP and its hydrolysate modulates 24-h systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) and plasma biomarkers of BP compared with casein.

METHODS

In a double-blind, randomized, crossover design trial, 35 adults who had mild hypertension with SBP between 130 and 160 mmHg and DBP ≤110 mmHg were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned to varying sequences of 3 6-wk treatments, 50 g casein/d, 50 g HSP/d, or 45 g HSP plus 5 g HSP-derived bioactive peptides/d (HSP+), separated by a 2-wk washout period. Treatment effects were assessed with a linear mixed model with repeated measures.

RESULTS

Compared with casein, after HSP+ consumption, 24-h SBP and 24-h DBP decreased from 135.1 and 80.0 mmHg to 128.1 ± 1.6 (P < 0.0001) and 76.0 ± 1.4 mmHg (P < 0.0001), respectively, whereas these values were 133.5 ± 1.6 and 78.9 ± 1.4 mmHg after HSP consumption (P < 0.0001). There were no differences between the HSP and HSP+ consumption in plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, renin, or nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. However, these 2 treatments were able to lower both ACE and renin activities and raise NO concentration in plasma compared with casein.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that hemp protein consumption, as well as in combination with bioactive peptides, may have a role in the dietary management of hypertension. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03508895.

Recent advances in mung bean protein: From structure, function to application

With the surge in protein demand, the application of plant proteins has ushered in a new wave of research. Mung bean is a potential source of protein due to its high protein content (20-30 %). The nutrition, structure, function, and application of mung bean protein have always been a focus of attention. In this paper, these highlighted points have been reviewed to explore the potential application value of mung bean protein. Mung bean protein contains a higher content of essential amino acids than soybean protein, which can meet the amino acid values recommended by FAO/WHO for adults. Mung bean protein also can promote human health due to its bioactivity, such as the antioxidant, and anti-cancer activity. Meanwhile, mung bean protein also has well solubility, foaming, emulsification and gelation properties. Therefore, mung bean protein can be used as an antioxidant edible film additive, emulsion-based food, active substance carrier, and meat analogue in the food industry. It is understood there are still relatively few commercial applications of mung bean protein. This paper highlights the potential application of mung bean proteins, and aims to provide a reference for future commercial applications of mung bean proteins.

Exploring the Nutritional Potential and Functionality of Hemp and Rapeseed Proteins: A Review on Unveiling Anti-Nutritional Factors, Bioactive Compounds, and Functional Attributes

Plant-based proteins, like those derived from hemp and rapeseed can contribute significantly to a balanced diet and meet human daily nutritional requirements by providing essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. According to numerous recent research papers, the consumption of plant-based proteins has been associated with numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Plant-based diets are often lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in fiber and phytonutrients, which can support overall health and well-being. Present research investigates the nutritional attributes, functional properties, and potential food applications of hemp and rapeseed protein for a potential use in new food-product development, with a certain focus on identifying anti-nutritional factors and bioactive compounds. Through comprehensive analysis, anti-nutritional factors and bioactive compounds were elucidated, shedding light on their impact on protein quality and digestibility. The study also delves into the functional properties of hemp and rapeseed protein, unveiling their versatility in various food applications. Insights from this research contribute to a deeper understanding of the nutritional value and functional potential of hemp and rapeseed protein, paving the way for their further utilization in innovative food products with enhanced nutritional value and notable health benefits.

Are oilseeds a new alternative protein source for human nutrition?

This review focuses on the potential use, nutritional value and beneficial health effects of oilseeds as a source of food protein. The process of extracting oil from oilseeds produces a by-product that is rich in proteins and other valuable nutritional and bioactive components. This product is primarily used for animal feed. However, as the demand for proteins continues to rise, plant-based proteins have a real success in food applications. Among the different plant protein sources, oilseeds could be used as an alternative protein source for human diet. The data we have so far show that oilseeds present a protein content of up to 40% and a relatively well-balanced profile of amino acids with sulphur-containing amino acids. Nevertheless, they tend to be deficient in lysine and rich in anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which therefore means they have lower anabolic potential than animal proteins. To enhance their nutritional value, oilseed proteins can be combined with other protein sources and subjected to processes such as dehulling, heating, soaking, germination or fermentation to reduce their ANFs and improve protein digestibility. Furthermore, due to their bioactive peptides, oilseeds can also bring health benefits, particularly in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. However, additional nutritional data are needed before oilseeds can be endorsed as a protein source for humans.

Biomimetic Synthesis of Biologically Active Natural Products: An Updated Review

BACKGROUND

Natural products have optical activities with unusual structural characteristics or specific stereoselectivity, mostly including spiro-ring systems or quaternary carbon atoms. Expensive and time-consuming methods for natural product purification, especially natural products with bioactive properties, have encouraged chemists to synthesize those compounds in laboratories. Due to their significant role in drug discovery and chemical biology, natural products have become a major area of synthetic organic chemistry. Most medicinal ingredients available today are healing agents derived from natural resources, such as plants, herbs, and other natural products.

METHODS

Materials were compiled using the three databases of ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. For this study, only English-language publications have been evaluated based on their titles, abstracts, and full texts.

RESULTS

Developing bioactive compounds and drugs from natural products has remained challenging despite recent advances. A major challenge is not whether a target can be synthesized but how to do so efficiently and practically. Nature has the ability to create molecules in a delicate but effective manner. A convenient method is to imitate the biogenesis of natural products from microbes, plants, or animals for synthesizing natural products. Inspired by the mechanisms occurring in the nature, synthetic strategies facilitate laboratory synthesis of natural compounds with complicated structures.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we have elaborated on the recent syntheses of natural products conducted since 2008 and provided an updated outline of this area of research (Covering 2008-2022) using bioinspired methods, including Diels-Alder dimerization, photocycloaddition, cyclization, and oxidative and radical reactions, which will provide an easy access to precursors for biomimetic reactions. This study presents a unified method for synthesizing bioactive skeletal products.

Antioxidant and Renin Inhibitory Activities of Peptides from Food Proteins on Hypertension: A Review

Hypertension is a condition induced by oxidative stress causing an alteration in the endothelium, which increases the risk of suffering from other degenerative diseases. This review compiles the findings on peptides from food proteins with antioxidant and antihypertensive activities. Antihypertensive peptides are mainly focused on renin inhibition. Peptides containing hydrophobic amino acids have antioxidant and renin inhibitory activities, as reported by studies on the biological activity of peptides from various food sources evaluated separately and simultaneously. Peptides from food sources can present multiple biological activities. Moreover, antioxidant peptides have the potential to be evaluated against renin, offering an alternative for hypertension therapy without causing adverse side effects.

The neuroprotective effect of traditional Chinese medicinal plants-A critical review

Neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases are increasingly affecting individuals' quality of life, thus increasing their cost to social and health systems. These diseases have overlapping mechanisms, such as oxidative stress, protein aggregation, neuroinflammation, neurotransmission impairment, mitochondrial dysfunction, and excitotoxicity. Currently, there is no cure for neurodegenerative diseases, and the available therapies have adverse effects and low efficacy. For neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, the current therapies are not adequate to one-third of the patients, the so-called treatment-resistant patients. So, searching for new treatments is fundamental. Medicinal plants appear as a strong alternative and complement towards new treatment protocols, as they have been used for health purposes for thousands of years. Thus, the main goal of this review is to revisit the neuroprotective potential of some of the most predominant medicinal plants (and one fungus) used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), focusing on their proven mechanisms of action and their chemical compositions, to give clues on how they can be useful against neurodegeneration progression.

Recent Advances in In Vitro and In Vivo Studies of Antioxidant, ACE-Inhibitory and Anti-Inflammatory Peptides from Legume Protein Hydrolysates

Consumption of legumes has been shown to enhance health and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and specific types of cancer. ACE inhibitors, antioxidants, and synthetic anti-inflammatories are widely used today; however, they have several undesirable side effects. Thus, researchers have focused on finding ACE inhibitors, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory peptides from natural sources, such as legumes. Recently, in vitro and in vivo research has shown the bioactive peptides generated from legume protein hydrolysates, such as antioxidant, anti-hypertensive, anticancer, anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory, etc., in the context of different disease mitigation. Therefore, this review aims to describe the recent advances in in vitro and in vivo studies of antioxidant, anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory peptides isolated from legume-derived protein hydrolysates. The results indicated that antioxidant legumes peptides are characterized by short-chain sequence amino acids and possess anti-hypertensive properties by reducing systolic blood pressure (SBP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

A Cross Talk between the Endocannabinoid System and Different Systems Involved in the Pathogenesis of Hypertensive Retinopathy

The prognosis of hypertension leads to organ damage by causing nephropathy, stroke, retinopathy, and cardiomegaly. Retinopathy and blood pressure have been extensively discussed in relation to catecholamines of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and angiotensin II of the renin–angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) but very little research has been conducted on the role of the ECS in the regulation of retinopathy and blood pressure. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a unique system in the body that can be considered as a master regulator of body functions. It encompasses the endogenous production of its cannabinoids, its degrading enzymes, and functional receptors which innervate and perform various functions in different organs of the body. Hypertensive retinopathy pathologies arise normally due to oxidative stress, ischemia, endothelium dysfunction, inflammation, and an activated renin–angiotensin system (RAS) and catecholamine which are vasoconstrictors in their biological nature. The question arises of which system or agent counterbalances the vasoconstrictors effect of noradrenaline and angiotensin II (Ang II) in normal individuals? In this review article, we discuss the role of the ECS and its contribution to the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy. This review article will also examine the involvement of the RAS and the ANS in the pathogenesis of hypertensive retinopathy and the crosstalk between these three systems in hypertensive retinopathy. This review will also explain that the ECS, which is a vasodilator in its action, either independently counteracts the effect produced with the vasoconstriction of the ANS and Ang II or blocks some of the common pathways shared by the ECS, ANS, and Ang II in the regulation of eye functions and blood pressure. This article concludes that persistent control of blood pressure and normal functions of the eye are maintained either by decreasing systemic catecholamine, ang II, or by upregulation of the ECS which results in the regression of retinopathy induced by hypertension.

Evaluation of two different Cannabis sativa L. extracts as antioxidant and neuroprotective agents

Cannabis sativa L. is a plant that contains numerous chemically active compounds including cannabinoids such as trans-Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and flavone derivatives, such as luteolin-7-O-glucuronide and apigenin glucuronide. In particular, the polar fraction of hemp including many phenolic compounds has been overlooked when compared with the more lipophilic fraction containing cannabinoids. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess two extracts of industrial hemp (C. sativa) of different polarity (aqueous and hexane) by evaluating their antioxidant profile and their neuroprotective potential on pharmacological targets in the central nervous system (CNS). Several assays on in vitro antioxidant capacity (DPPH, superoxide radical, FRAP, ORAC), as well as inhibition of physiological enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoaminooxidase A (MAO-A) were carried out in order to find out how these extracts may be helpful to prevent neurodegenerative disorders. Neuro-2a cell line was selected to test the cytotoxic and neuroprotective potential of these extracts. Both extracts showed striking antioxidant capacity in the FRAP and ORAC assays, particularly the hexane extract, and interesting results for the DPPH and superoxide radical uptake assays, with the aqueous extract standing out especially in the latter. In enzyme inhibition assays, the aqueous extract showed AChE and MAO-A inhibitory activity, while the hexane extract only reached IC₅₀ value for AChE inhibitory bioassay. Neuro-2a assays demonstrated that polyphenolic extract was not cytotoxic and exhibited cytoprotective properties against hydrogen peroxide and antioxidant response decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These extracts could be a source of compounds with potential benefit on human health, especially related to neurodegenerative disorders.

How Healthy Are Non-Traditional Dietary Proteins? The Effect of Diverse Protein Foods on Biomarkers of Human Health

Future food security for healthy populations requires the development of safe, sustainably-produced protein foods to complement traditional dietary protein sources. To meet this need, a broad range of non-traditional protein foods are under active investigation. The aim of this review was to evaluate their potential effects on human health and to identify knowledge gaps, potential risks, and research opportunities. Non-traditional protein sources included are algae, cereals/grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, insects, mycoprotein, nuts, oil seeds, and legumes. Human, animal, and in vitro data suggest that non-traditional protein foods have compelling beneficial effects on human health, complementing traditional proteins (meat/poultry, soy, eggs, dairy). Improvements in cardiovascular health, lipid metabolism, muscle synthesis, and glycaemic control were the most frequently reported improvements in health-related endpoints. The mechanisms of benefit may arise from their diverse range of minerals, macro- and micronutrients, dietary fibre, and bioactive factors. Many were also reported to have anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and antioxidant activity. Across all protein sources examined, there is a strong need for quality human data from randomized controlled intervention studies. Opportunity lies in further understanding the potential effects of non-traditional proteins on the gut microbiome, immunity, inflammatory conditions, DNA damage, cognition, and cellular ageing. Safety, sustainability, and evidence-based health research will be vital to the development of high-quality complementary protein foods that enhance human health at all life stages.

The Influence of Hempseed Cake on Production Traits, Metabolic Profile and Antioxidant Status of Merinolandschaf Lambs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hempseed cake on production traits, metabolic profile and antioxidant status of lambs. The research was conducted on 20 Merinolandschaf lambs of similar live body weight (24.03 kg ± 2.22 and 24.06 ± 1.84 kg in control and experimental group, respectively). The experiment started after the weaning of lambs at their average age of 70 days. Lambs were divided by gender (50% male: 50% female) and then allocated in two groups. The research lasted for 30 days during the fattening period. Lambs in the control group were fed with feed mixtures, where main protein source was soybean meal and extruded soybean (SB), while lambs in the experimental group were fed feed mixtures in which soybean was replaced by hempseed cake (HSC) at 12% of dry matter. Higher values of daily weight gain (P<0.05) compared to SB lambs were observed from days 15 to 30. HSC lambs showed no significant differences in hematology and biochemical blood parameters, except for lower (P<0.001) urea concentrations on days 15 and 30, as well as higher (P<0.05) Mg concentrations in serum on day 30. Hempseed cake in lambs’ diets did not influence (P>0.05) activity of the enzymes like AST, ALT, ALP, GGT and CK, as well as SOD and GPx enzymes, thus not affecting the antioxidant status of lambs’ blood. Concentrations of DHA and n-3 fatty acids were higher (P<0.05) in HSC group than in SB group. The present study confirmed that the inclusion of HSC as soybean replacement up to 12% in the lambs’ diet is justified when considering production traits, metabolic profile and antioxidant status of Merinolandschaf lambs.

Identification and Characterization of the Seed Storage Proteins and Related Genes of Cannabis sativa L

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seed is emerging as a novel source of plant protein owing to its rich protein content and reasonable nutritional structure. In the current study, the storage proteins of hemp seed were extracted using different methods. The modified Osborne method yielded maximum extraction of the hemp seed storage proteins, while degreasing had little effect on the hemp seed protein (HSP) extraction. Protein identification results revealed that 11S globulin (edestin) was the most abundant protein in hemp seed, and the molecular weights of the two subunits of this protein were ~35 and 20 kDa, respectively. The second most abundant protein was 2S albumin (Cs2S), with a molecular weight of ~14–15 kDa. The least abundant protein was 7S vicilin-like protein (Cs7S), with a molecular weight of ~47 kDa. Subsequently, gene families encoding these three storage protein classes, including three genes for edestin, two for Cs2S, and one for Cs7S, were cloned and then analyzed for amino acid composition and structure. The three edestins were different in their amino acid sequences and calculated molecular weights. The analysis of coding sequences revealed a higher percentage of similarity (62.7%) between Edestin1 and Edestin3, while the similarity decreased significantly to ~57% between Edestin1 and Edestin2, and 58% between Edestin2 and Edestin3. The calculated protein molecular weight was the highest for the protein encoded by Edestin1 and the smallest for the protein encoded by Edestin2. All three edestins were rich in arginine, while Edestin3 had a higher methionine content relative to that in the other two, which proved that Edestin3 had a better nutritional value. Cs2S and Cs7S were different from those reported in previous studies. Therefore, it could be inferred that amino acid composition varies with different hemp cultivars. The current research brought significant theoretical advance in illuminating the understanding of hemp seed storage protein and would have significance for future research on improving the nutritional quality of hemp seed and developing bioactive peptides.

Activity and bioavailability of food protein-derived angiotensin-I-converting enzyme-inhibitory peptides

Angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides are able to inhibit the activity of ACE, which is the key enzymatic factor mediating systemic hypertension. ACE-inhibitory peptides can be obtained from edible proteins and have the function of antihypertension. The amino acid sequences and the secondary structures of ACE-inhibitory peptides determine the inhibitory activities and stability. The resistance of ACE-inhibitory peptides to digestive enzymes and peptidase affect their antihypertensive bioactivity in vivo. In this paper, the mechanism of ACE-inhibition, sources of the inhibitory peptides, structure-activity relationships, stability during digestion, absorption and transportation of ACE-inhibitory peptides, and consumption of ACE-inhibitory peptides are reviewed, which provide guidance to the development of new functional foods and production of antihypertensive nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa's pharmacological properties and health effects: A scoping review of current evidence

INTRODUCTION

Hemp (Cannabis sativa subsp. sativa), commonly used for industrial purposes, is now being consumed by the public for various health promoting effects. As popularity of hemp research and claims of beneficial effects rises, a systematic collection of current scientific evidence on hemp's health effects and pharmacological properties is needed to guide future research, clinical, and policy decision making.

OBJECTIVE

To provide an overview and identify the present landscape of hemp research topics, trends, and gaps.

METHODS

A systematic search and analysis strategy according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis-ScR (PRISMA-ScR) checklist on electronic databases including MEDLINE, OVID (OVFT, APC Journal Club, EBM Reviews), Cochrane Library Central and Clinicaltrials.gov was conducted to include and analyse hemp research articles from 2009 to 2019.

RESULTS

65 primary articles (18 clinical, 47 pre-clinical) were reviewed. Several randomised controlled trials showed hempseed pills (in Traditional Chinese Medicine formulation MaZiRenWan) improving spontaneous bowel movement in functional constipation. There was also evidence suggesting benefits in cannabis dependence, epilepsy, and anxiety disorders. Pre-clinically, hemp derivatives showed potential anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-neuroinflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-acne, and anti-microbial activities. Renal protective effects and estrogenic properties were also exhibited in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Current evidence on hemp-specific interventions are still preliminary, with limited high quality clinical evidence for any specific therapeutic indication. This is mainly due to the wide variation in test item formulation, as the multiple variants of this plant differ in their phytochemical and bioactive compounds. Future empirical research should focus on standardising the hemp plant for pharmaceutical use, and uniformity in experimental designs to strengthen the premise of using hemp in medicine.

Optimization of flaxseed milk fermentation for the production of functional peptides and estimation of their bioactivities

Bioactive peptides are protein fragments which have a positive impact on the functions and conditions of living organisms. Apart from other animal and plant sources flaxseed is an excellent source of bioactive peptides. In recent years, fermentation has been explored as effective way for bioactive peptides generation. Hence, the present study has been carried out to evaluate an indigenous Lactobacillus plantarum strain NCDC 374 for fermentation and peptides generation in flaxseed milk. Optimization of fermentation condition to obtain maximum functional properties (Proteolytic activity, Antioxidant activity and ACE inhibition %) was investigated using response surface methodology. Optimal condition to produce the functional peptides were found to be 4.20% inoculum size with 126 hours of fermentation time. The fermented milk resulted in 67.38% inhibition in DPPH, 41.35% inhibition in ACE and 30.38 micro gram leucine/ml proteolytic activity. Molecular weight cut off membrane (Viva spin) were used to fractionate the peptides. 10 kDa peptides showed optimal results for % DPPH inhibition, ACE inhibition, Antimicrobial activity and DPP-IV inhibition as compared to 5 kDa.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Three Different Biorefinery Processes at Recovering Bioactive Products from Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Byproduct

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds are considered a nutritional powerhouse, rich in proteins and unsaturated fatty acids. The market for hemp seed food products is growing, due to the loosening of constraints in industrial cultivation. During the food processing chain, the external part of the seed is discarded, although it contains a significant amount of proteins. Converting this material into value-added products with a biorefinery approach could meet the ever-increasing need for sustainable protein sources while reducing food waste. In this study, creating value from hemp byproducts was pursued with three different approaches: (i) chemical extraction followed by enzymatic digestion, (ii) liquid fermentation by strains of Lactobacillus spp., and (iii) solid-state fermentation by Pleurotus ostreatus. The resulting products exhibited a range of in vitro antioxidant and antihypertensive activity, depending on the proteases used for enzymatic digestion, the bacterial strain, and the length of time of the two fermentation processes. These byproducts could be exploited as functional ingredients in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries; the suggested biorefinery processes thus represent potential solutions for the development of other protein-containing byproducts or wastes.

The interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the renin angiotensin system and its potential implication for COVID-19 infection

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading fast all around the world with more than fourteen millions of detected infected cases and more than 600.000 deaths by 20th July 2020. While scientist are working to find a vaccine, current epidemiological data shows that the most common comorbidities for patients with the worst prognosis, hypertension and diabetes, are often treated with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs).

Body

Both ACE inhibitors and ARBs induce overexpression of the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor, which has been identified as the main receptor used by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to enter into the alveolar cells of the lungs. While cannabinoids are known to reduce hypertension, the studies testing the hypotensive effects of cannabinoids never addressed their effects on ACE-2 receptors. However, some studies have linked the endocannabinoid system (ECS) with the renin angiotensin system (RAS), including a cross-modulation between the cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and angiotensin II levels.

Conclusion

Since there are around 192 million people using cannabis worldwide, we believe that the mechanism underlying the hypotensive properties of cannabinoids should be urgently studied to understand if they can also lead to ACE-2 overexpression as other antihypertensive drugs do.

Production and characterization of chicken blood hydrolysate with antihypertensive properties

Chicken blood has limited utilization despite its high protein content. Production of a blood hydrolysate exhibiting angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity would be means of valorizing chicken blood. The optimized conditions used to produce chicken blood corpuscle hydrolysate (BCH) by Alcalase were 51.1°C, 4% enzyme, and pH 9.6 for 6 h, resulting in a 35.8% degree of hydrolysis and 37.7% ACE inhibition at a peptide concentration of 0.2 mg/mL. The permeate of a 1-kDa membrane, BCH-III, showed a 2.5-fold increase in ACE inhibition compared with that of BCH. BCH-III was resistant to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, whereas the BCH digesta exhibited an increased ACE-inhibitory activity after digestion. Both BCH and BCH-III were rich in hydrophobic amino acids. A single administration of BCH and BCH-III to spontaneously hypertensive rats at concentrations of 600 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, lowered the systolic blood pressure by -57.7 and -70.9 mmHg, respectively, 6 h after oral administration compared with the control group. The blood pressure-lowering effect of the 600 mg/kg BCH dose was comparable with that of the 100 mg/kg BCH-III dose after 4 wk of oral administration. Both BCH and BCH-III could be developed for use as nutraceutical products with antihypertensive effects.

Health Promoting Bioactive Properties of Novel Hairless Canary Seed Flour after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion

The bioactive properties and health-promoting effects of two novel yellow (C09052, C05041) and two brown (Calvi, Bastia) hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) cultivars were investigated in comparison to two common cereal grains (wheat and oat). The cereal flours were digested using the standardized INFOGEST in vitro human gastrointestinal digestion model. The three-kilo dalton molecular weight cutoff (3 kDa MWCO) permeate of the generated digestates was assessed in vitro for their antioxidant, chelating, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities. The results showed no significant differences in studied bioactivities between yellow and brown canary seed cultivars, except for antioxidant activity by the DPPH and chelating Fe2+ assays, where brown cultivars had higher activities. Canary seeds had superior or equivalent antioxidant activity than those from oat and wheat. The anti-hypertensive activity (Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition) in yellow canary seed cultivars was significantly higher than that of oat and wheat, particularly for C09052 and Calvi varieties. Peptides exhibiting the highest antihypertensive activity from the permeate of the C09052 canary seed variety were further fractionated and identified by mass spectrometry. Forty-six peptides were identified belonging to 18 proteins from the Pooideae subfamily. Fourteen of the parent proteins were homologous to barley proteins. Peptides were analyzed in silico to determine potential bioactivity based on their amino acid composition. All 46 peptides had potential anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic activities and 20 had potential antioxidant activity, thereby validating the in vitro assay data. Canary seed peptides also exhibited potential antiamnestic, antithrombotic, immunostimulating, opioid and neuro-activity, demonstrating important potential for health promoting effects, particularly against cardiovascular disease.

The seed of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.): Nutritional Quality and Potential Functionality for Human Health and Nutrition

Hempseeds, the edible fruits of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, were initially considered a by-product of the hemp technical fibre industry. Nowadays, following the restorationing of the cultivation of C. sativa L. plants containing an amount of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) <0.3% or 0.2% (industrial hemp) there is a growing interest for the hempseeds production due to their high nutritional value and functional features. The goal of this review is to examine the scientific literature concerning the nutritional and functional properties of hempseeds. Furthermore, we revised the scientific literature regarding the potential use of hempseeds and their derivatives as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and chronic-degenerative diseases on animal models and humans too. In the first part of the work, we provide information regarding the genetic, biochemical, and legislative aspects of this plant that are, in our opinion essential to understand the difference between “industrial” and “drug-type” hemp. In the final part of the review, the employment of hempseeds by the food industry as livestock feed supplement and as ingredient to enrich or fortify daily foods has also revised. Overall, this review intends to encourage further and comprehensive investigations about the adoption of hempseeds in the functional foods field.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Hydrolysates Promote Anti-Inflammatory Response in Primary Human Monocytes

Hemp seeds have a wide variety of chemical compounds which present biological activity. Specifically, the focus on proteins and bioactive peptides are increasing as alternative sources of nutraceutical uses. In the literature, hemp protein products (HPPs) have reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to determine the inflammation-related modulatory effects of HPPs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated primary human monocytes. CD14⁺ cells were immunomagnetically isolated from buffy coats and the anti-inflammatory activity of hemp protein isolate (HPI) and hydrolysates (HPHs) was evaluated on LPS-stimulated human primary monocytes. The specific markers of inflammation, polarization, and chemoattraction were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA assays. Our results showed that HPPs decreased the pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and increased the anti-inflammatory mediators (IL-10 and IL-4). In addition, M1 polarization marker gene expression (CCR7 and iNOS) was downregulated by HPPs and, M2 polarization marker gene expression (CD200R and MRC1) was upregulated. Finally, the mRNA expression of chemotaxis genes (CCR2 and CCL2) was downregulated by HPPs. In conclusion, this study suggests that HPPs may improve chronic inflammatory states and promote regenerative processes by reprogramming monocytes toward M2 polarization phenotype.

A double-blind, randomized, crossover trial protocol of whole hemp seed protein and hemp seed protein hydrolysate consumption for hypertension

BACKGROUND

Primary hypertension accounts for almost 95% of all cases of high blood pressure and is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle interventions have been shown to prevent hypertension. One of the prominent potential therapeutic lifestyle strategies to prevent or manage hypertension is increasing dietary protein as a macronutrient or as bioactive peptides. An emerging plant-based protein source that may have anti-hypertensive properties is hemp seed.

METHODS/DESIGN

A randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial will be conducted on 35 hypertensive participants aged 18-75 years, with a BMI between 18.5 and 40 kg/m², systolic blood pressure (SBP) between 130 and 160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≤ 110 mmHg. The trial will be conducted for a period of 22 weeks and will consist of three treatment periods of 6 weeks, separated by 2-week washout periods. The treatments will be consumed twice a day and consist of 25 g casein, hemp seed protein (HSP), or HSP plus HSP hydrolysate (HSP+). The primary outcome of this trial is 24-h SBP, measured on the first day of first phase and the last day of each phase. Office-measured blood pressure, pulse-wave velocity and augmentation index and anthropometrics will be determined at the first and last days of each period. Also, body composition will be assessed by dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan on the first day of the first phase and within the last 2 days of each treatment period. Blood samples will be collected on the first and last 2 days of each treatment phase whereas urine samples will be collected on the first day of the first phase plus the last day of each phase to be analyzed for specific biomarkers.

DISCUSSION

This trial protocol is designed to evaluate the hypotensive potential of consuming whole HSP, and HSP+, in comparison to casein protein. This study will be the first trial investigating the potential anti-hypertensive benefit of dietary hemp protein plus bioactive peptide consumption in humans.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

National Clinical Trial (NCT), ID: NCT03508895. Registered on 28 June 2018. Retrospectively registered on the publicly accessible Registry Databank at ClinicalTrials.gov (http://ClinicalTrials.gov).

Neuroprotective protein hydrolysates from hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds are well known for their potential use as a source of nutrients, fiber, and bioactive compounds. A hemp protein isolate, prepared from defatted hemp flour, was hydrolyzed by alcalase and flavourzyme under specific conditions. The resulting hydrolysates were evaluated for the selection of potentially bioactive hemp protein hydrolysates (HPHs) owing to their DPPH scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power activity. In vitro cell-free experiments led to the identification of two bioactive HPHs, HPH20A and HPH60A + 15AF, which were used at 50 and 100 μg mL-1 on BV-2 microglial cells in order to evaluate the anti-neuroinflammatory activities. Our results showed that HPH20A and HPH60A + 15AF down-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA transcriptional levels in LPS-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. In addition, HPH20A and HPH60A + 15AF up-regulated the gene expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. This study suggests for the first time that HPHs may improve the neuroinflammatory and inflammatory states, supporting the nutraceutical value of hemp seeds.

Effect of heating on the digestibility of isolated hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) protein and bioactivity of its pepsin-pancreatin digests

The objective was to investigate the effects of heat pretreatment and simulated gastrointestinal digestion on potential antioxidant, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) proteins. Unheated isolated hempseed protein (IHP) and its heated counterparts (100 °C, 15 min and 30 min, termed as HP15D and HP30D) were hydrolyzed sequentially with pepsin and pancreatin and analyzed for digestibility and bioactivity (antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties). Heat pretreatment led to an increase of low molecular weight proteins and degree of hydrolysis, and decrease of concentration of soluble protein, which means heat pretreated can significantly improve the digestibility of IHP. Pepsin-pancreatin digests released from heat pretreated IHP possessed less antioxidant, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties than digests from unheated IHP. In conclusion, heat pre-treatment improved the digestibility of IHP but the resulting digests from heated IHP had lower bioactivity.

Aquaculture and by-products: Challenges and opportunities in the use of alternative protein sources and bioactive compounds

There is a growing concern about chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, cancer and cardiovascular diseases resulting from profound changes in the western lifestyle. Aquaculture by-products are generated in large quantities and they can be profitably recycled through their bioactive compounds used for health or food supplements. Improving waste utilization in the field of aquaculture is essential for a sustainable industry to prevent or minimize the environmental impact. In this sense fish by-products are a great source of protein and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which are particularly studied on Atlantic salmon or rainbow trout. Fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) obtained from chemical, enzymatical and microbial hydrolysis of processing by-products are being used as a source of amino acids and peptides with high digestibility, fast absorption and important biological activities. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) from fish discards have been reported to decrease postprandial triacylglycerol levels, reduction of blood pressure, platelet aggregation and the inflammatory response. Crustacean by-products can also be used to produce chitosan with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity for food and pharmaceutical industries and carotenoids with important biological activity. Seaweeds are rich in bioactive compounds such as alginate, carrageenan, agar, carotenoids and polyphenols with different biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial or anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, regarding harvest microalgae, during the past decades, they were mainly used in the healthy food market, with >75% of the annual microalgal biomass production, used for the manufacture of powders, tablets, capsules or pills. We will report and discuss the present and future role of aquaculture by-products as sources of biomolecules for the design and development of functional foods/beverages. This chapter will focus on the main bioactive compounds from aquaculture by-products as functional compounds in food and their applications in biomedicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) Protein Extraction Conditions Affect Extraction Yield and Protein Quality

The purpose of this paper was to study the extraction conditions of hemp proteins from undelipidated press-cakes. The effects of different hydration conditions on protein recovery yield and polypeptide profile were evaluated: pH (2 to 12), ionic strength (0 to 500 mM NaCl) and press-cake/liquid weight ratio (2% to 22%). pH was the most impacting factor. At acidic pH (2 to 7) the extraction yields were low and quite constant (<7%), corresponding mainly to hemp albumins solubilization. The extraction of globulins started to increase significantly from pH 8, with protein extraction yield varying from 8.3% at pH 8 to 67.1% at pH 12 for a 10% press-cake/liquid weight ratio. The addition of NaCl in press-cake suspensions did not increase the total nitrogen content in aqueous extracts at alkaline pH while the lowest press-cake/liquid weight ratios (5% to 10%) were revealed optimal regarding protein recovery rate. The intense coloration observed on the aqueous extracts above pH 8 was assigned to solubilization and oxidation of phenolic compounds whose concentration increased about sevenfolds from pH 2 to 12. At the highest applied pH (11 to 12), the formation of covalent complexes between phenolic compounds and some hemp polypeptides was hypothesized. Aqueous extraction at strong alkaline pH (>9) without salt addition and respecting a 10% press-cake/liquid weight ratio should be retained to optimize protein extraction yield. However, further purification steps are required to evaluate the nutritional, organoleptic, and techno-functional properties of hemp proteins extracted in such conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The traditional extraction process of hemp proteins by alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation, mostly from delipidated hemp press-cake, leads to limited quantity and poor solubility of extracted proteins, and data related to extraction conditions are insufficiently available to optimize this process. This article aims to find optimal hydration conditions (pH, ionic strength, press-cake to liquid ratio) for protein extraction from undelipidated hemp press-cake, allowing high protein recovery and preserving protein quality. The results obtained represent very useful data for developing an economically viable and sustainable extraction process of proteins from raw hemp press-cake.

Synergistic effect of fruit-seed mixed juice on inhibition of angiotensin I-converting enzyme and activation of NO production in EA.hy926 cells

Commonly consumed fruit juices possess low inhibitory activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), which plays central role in elevation of blood pressure. The ACE inhibitory activity of fruit-seed mixed juice may be improved via synergistic interactions. In this study, the investigated synergistic, additive, and antagonistic effects of fruit-seed combination on ACE inhibition were investigated. Thirteen fruits and 15 seeds including legumes, nuts, and cereals were combined in pairs; pear-hemp seed-pumpkin seed juice (3-mixed juice) displayed the highest ACE inhibition resulting from synergistic interactions. Additionally, nitric oxide production in human endothelial cells was promoted by 3-mixed juice. Three-mixed juice showed antioxidant activities such as DNA protective, DPPH radical scavenging, and reducing effects. These results suggested that combinations of different food categories are beneficial for improving biological functions such as vascular health. Three-mixed juice, which shows high ACE inhibitory activity, may be useful as an anti-hypertensive agent and for treating hypertension.

Microalgae for High-Value Products Towards Human Health and Nutrition

Microalgae represent a potential source of renewable nutrition and there is growing interest in algae-based dietary supplements in the form of whole biomass, e.g., Chlorella and Arthrospira, or purified extracts containing omega-3 fatty acids and carotenoids. The commercial production of bioactive compounds from microalgae is currently challenged by the biorefinery process. This review focuses on the biochemical composition of microalgae, the complexities of mass cultivation, as well as potential therapeutic applications. The advantages of open and closed growth systems are discussed, including common problems encountered with large-scale growth systems. Several methods are used for the purification and isolation of bioactive compounds, and many products from microalgae have shown potential as antioxidants and treatments for hypertension, among other health conditions. However, there are many unknown algal metabolites and potential impurities that could cause harm, so more research is needed to characterize strains of interest, improve overall operation, and generate safe, functional products.

Effect of Dietary Hemp Seed on Oxidative Status in Sows during Late Gestation and Lactation and Their Offspring

Simple Summary

Hemp seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids as well as other bioactive compounds. Using dietary hemp seeds as late gestation and lactation supplementation for sows and early life supplementation for piglets, we found that the indicators of oxidative status were improved in both sows and offspring. Besides the significant improvement in the antioxidant defense system of the sows, our assessment of dietary intervention resulted in an array of increased antioxidative status markers for their progeny. In addition, this could be translated into increased adaptability to the upcoming weaning stage.

Abstract

This study shows the antioxidant effect of a dietary hemp seed diet rich in ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) on oxidative status in sows during late gestation and lactation and their offspring. Ten pregnant sows were divided into two groups and fed either a control diet (CD) or a hemp diet (HD) containing 2% hemp seed meal for a period of 10 days before farrowing and 5% throughout the lactation period (21 d). After farrowing, 16 of their resulting piglets were divided into two groups: control group CD (eight piglets derived from control sows) and HD group (eight piglets derived from HD sows), respectively. Blood collected from sows and piglets at day 1, 7 and 21 was used for the measurement of antioxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GPx)), nitric oxide production (NO), lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances—TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma. The results showed a significant improvement in the oxidative status of sows fed HD throughout lactation compared with CD. Similarly, in piglets, HD positively influenced the activities of antioxidant enzymes, TAC and NO levels and significantly decreased lipid peroxidation in plasma until weaning, in comparison with the CD group. This study suggests the potential of hemp seed diet to improve the overall antioxidant status of the lactating sows and their progeny.

Enhancement of the Stability and Anti-DPPIV Activity of Hempseed Hydrolysates Through Self-Assembling Peptide-Based Hydrogels

Although there is an increasing interest for bioactive food protein hydrolysates as valuable ingredients for functional food and dietary supplement formulations, their potential applications are hampered by their insufficient stability in physiological conditions. In this study, an innovative strategy based on nanomaterials was developed in order to increase the hempseed hydrolysate stability and the anti-diabetic properties, through their encapsulation into ionic self-complementary RADA16 peptide based-hydrogels. Atomic force microscope (AFM) morphological analysis indicated that the new nanomaterials were composed of a nanofibril network, whose increased diameter in respect to native RADA16 suggests the presence of transient non-covalent interactions among the RADA16 supramolecular assemblies and the embedded hempseed peptides. Structural analysis by FT-IR spectroscopy indicated typical β-sheet signatures. The RADA16-hempseed protein hydrolysate hydrogel was shown to act as a novel dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) inhibitor in different biological assays. Finally, this nanoformulation was used as a drug delivery system of the anti-diabetic drug sitagliptin, helping to reduce its dosage and eventually associated side-effects.

Food protein-derived renin-inhibitory peptides: in vitro and in vivo properties

Renin catalyzes the rate-determining step in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that regulates mammalian blood pressure by converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I (Ang I). Excessive plasma levels of Ang I is a causative factor in hypertension development. Therefore, inhibition of renin activity can lower blood pressure and provide relief from clinical symptoms associated with hypertension. Synthetic compounds are currently the most used group of renin inhibitors; however, only aliskiren is approved as a drug for hypertension treatment. But some negative side effects are associated with aliskiren therapy, which have necessitated the search for alternative natural compounds such as food protein-derived renin-inhibitory peptides with blood pressure-reducing effects. This paper is a concise review of the currently known sources and methods of production of renin-inhibitory peptides including their potential in vitro and in vivo extent of renin inhibition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Hypertension is a major human chronic disease that leads to severe cardiovascular impairment and ultimately death if not managed properly. Current therapeutic approach to hypertension management involves the use of drugs that inhibit excessive activities of renin and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), the two main enzymes that control mammalian blood pressure. Since renin catalyzes a single reaction that is the rate-determining step in the renin-angiotensin system, inhibition of this enzyme activity could be a highly effective strategy for controlling blood pressure without severe negative side effects. However, therapeutic control of renin activity remains difficult with only one approved drug. Some food protein-derived peptides have been found to inhibit renin activity inhibition, which could offer a drug-free treatment for hypertension. Therefore, this review provides a summary of recent developments in the advances and efficacy testing of renin-inhibitory peptides.

Nutraceutical potential of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds and sprouts

In this study the antioxidant effect of Cannabis sativa L. seeds and sprouts (3 and 5 days of germination) was evaluated. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and flavonols content, when expressed on dry weight basis, were highest in sprouts; ORAC and DPPH (in vitro assays), CAA-RBC (cellular antioxidant activity in red blood cells) and hemolysis test (ex vivo assays) evidenced a good antioxidant activity higher in sprouts than in seeds. Untargeted analysis by high resolution mass spectrometry in negative ion mode allowed the identification of main polyphenols (caffeoyltyramine, cannabisin A, B, C) in seeds and of ω-6 (linoleic acid) in sprouts. Antimutagenic effect of seeds and sprouts extracts evidenced a significant decrease of mutagenesis induced by hydrogen peroxide in Saccharomyces cerevisiae D7 strain. In conclusion our results show that C. sativa seeds and sprouts exert beneficial effects on yeast and human cells and should be further investigated as a potential functional food.

Effects of natural peptides from food proteins on angiotensin converting enzyme activity and hypertension

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death. The underlying pathophysiology is largely contributed by an overactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS). Herein, angiotensin II (AngII) is a key mediator not only in blood pressure control and vascular tone regulation, but also involved in inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, hypertension and congestive heart failure. Since more than three decades suppression of AngII generation by inhibition of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) or blockade of the AngII-receptor has shown clinical benefit by reducing hypertension, atherosclerosis and other inflammation-associated cardiovascular diseases. Besides pharmaceutical ACE-inhibitors some natural peptides derived from food proteins reduce in vitro ACE activity. Several animal studies and a few human clinical trials have shown antihypertensive effects of such peptides, which might be attractive as food additives to prevent age-related RAAS activation. However, their inhibitory potency on in vitro ACE activity does not always correlate with an antihypertensive impact. While some peptides with high inhibitory activity on ACE-activity in vitro show no antihypertensive effect in vivo, other peptides with only a moderate ACE inhibitory activity in vitro cause such effects. The explanation for this conflicting phenomenon between inhibitory activity and antihypertensive effect remains unclear to date. This review shall critically address the effects of natural peptides derived from different food proteins on the cardiovascular system and the possible underlying mechanisms. A central aspect will be to point to conceptual gaps in the current understanding of the action of these peptides with respect to in vivo blood pressure lowering effects.

Extract of Fructus Cannabis Ameliorates Learning and Memory Impairment Induced by D-Galactose in an Aging Rats Model

Hempseed (Cannabis sativa L.) has been used as a health food and folk medicine in China for centuries. In the present study, we sought to define the underlying mechanism by which the extract of Fructus Cannabis (EFC) protects against memory impairment induced by D-galactose in rats. To accelerate aging and induce memory impairment in rats, D-galactose (400 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally once daily for 14 weeks. EFC (200 and 400 mg/kg) was simultaneously administered intragastrically once daily in an attempt to slow the aging process. We found that EFC significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, while lowering levels of malondialdehyde in the hippocampus. Moreover, EFC dramatically elevated the organ indices of some organs, including the heart, the liver, the thymus, and the spleen. In addition, EFC improved the behavioral performance of rats treated with D-galactose in the Morris water maze. Furthermore, EFC inhibited the activation of astrocytes and remarkably attenuated phosphorylated tau and suppressed the expression of presenilin 1 in the brain of D-galactose-treated rats. These findings suggested that EFC exhibits beneficial effects on the cognition of aging rats probably by enhancing antioxidant capacity and anti-neuroinflammation, improving immune function, and modulating tau phosphorylation and presenilin expression.

Bioactivities of alternative protein sources and their potential health benefits

Increasing the utilisation of plant proteins is needed to support the production of protein-rich foods that could replace animal proteins in the human diet so as to reduce the strain that intensive animal husbandry poses to the environment.