Expression of α-amylase inhibitors in diploid Triticum species

► Expression of α-amylase inhibitors has never been addressed in einkorn wheats. ► Immune epitopes harbored in α-amylase inhibitors conserved during wheat evolution. ► The wheat ancestors Tirticum boeoticum and Triticum urartu express different α-amylase inhibitors. ► Triticum monococcum does not express inhibitors active against α-amylase from human saliva. ► T. monococcum as a good candidate for the production of novel functional foods.