One enzyme in the human body that can be responsible for high blood pressure is angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).
High blood pressure is the greatest risk factor for heart disease and stroke, a leading cause of death worldwide.
Angiotensin is a key enzyme that regulates blood pressure that generates the blood vessel constrictor angiotensin-II and inactivates bradykinin.
Inhibition of this enzyme is a useful strategy for reducing blood pressure which is why many pharmaceutical companies have drugs that inhibit ACE.
Drugs classified as ACE inhibitors include:
– benazepril (Lotensin)
– captopril (Capoten- discontinued brand)
– enalapril (Vasotec, Epaned, [Lexxel- discontinued brand])
– fosinopril (Monopril- Discontinued brand)
– lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, Qbrelis)
– moexipril (Univasc- Discontinued brand)
– perindopril (Aceon)
– quinapril (Accupril)
– ramipril (Altace)
– trandolapril (Mavik)
Plants are well known to produce a variety of phytochemicals, polyphenols, and antioxidants with health promoting properties.
However, they also make peptides, which are short sequences of protein with bioactive properties.
A study was undertaken and published in the journal Phytomedicine to determine if pigeon pea can inhibit ACE using lab based models.
What is pea pigeon? Read more here
Here are the details of the study:
– Seeds of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) was fermented with Aspergillus niger, which is a fungus.
– The extract was purified and separated using size exclusion chromatography.
– Peptides were analyzed using chemical docking to determine if they will interact with the enzyme ACE.
Here are other natural ways to lower blood pressure.
Here are the results
– The study identified a novel peptide Valine-Valine-Serine-Leucine-Serine-Isoleucine-Proline-Arginine with a molecular mass of 869.53 daltons.
– Molecular docking found that a strong and stable interaction will occur with this peptide and ACE.
Here’s what the authors had to say about the study
Since the peptide is derived from natural source, the side effects of the peptide when used as an anti-ACE drug will be trifling when compared to commercial anti-ACE drugs.
And
The presence of bioactive peptides in legumes can contribute to increase their food protein quality value and add functionality to food consumed on a daily basis.
Take away message:
Pigeon pea is a popular food grain in Asia, Africa and Latin America. In this study pigeon pea was found to be an inhibitor of ACE, a key enzyme that is responsible for high blood pressure. If you are looking for a natural option to help lower your blood pressure you may want to consider adding pigeon pea to your diet.
Reference:
Nawaz et al. Identification and in silico characterization of a novel peptide inhibitor of angiotensin converting enzyme from pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). Phytomedicine Volume 36, 1 December 2017, Pages 1-7
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Blood Pressure, Heart, Plant Medicine