Structural and functional characterization of hemp seed (Cannabis sativa L.) protein-derived antioxidant and antihypertensive peptides

The aim of this study was to identify and test efficacy of antioxidant and antihypertensive peptides present in hemp seed protein hydrolysate (HPH), which was produced through simulated gastrointestinal tract digestion of hemp seed proteins. Consecutive fractionation of HPH by reverse-phase HPLC followed by tandem mass spectrometry analysis of active peaks led to identification of 23 short-chain (⩽5 amino acids) peptides. At 0.5 mg/mL, Trp-Val-Tyr-Tyr (WVYY) and Pro-Ser-Leu-Pro-Ala (PSLPA) were the most active antioxidant peptides with 67% and 58% DPPH scavenging and metal chelation activity of 94% and 96%, respectively. WVYY and PSLPA showed maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction in spontaneously hypertensive rats by 34 (2 h) and 40 mmHg (4 h), respectively, after oral administration of 30 mg/kg body weight dose. Trp-Tyr-Thr (WYT) at 2 h, Ser-Val-Tyr-Thr (SVYT) at 6 h, and Ile-Pro-Ala-Gly-Val (IPAGV) at 4 h, each at 30 mg/kg body weight dose had maximum SBP reductions of 13, 24, and 36 mmHg, respectively.