Amaranth grain as a potential source of biologically active peptides: a review of their identification, production, bioactivity, and characterization

ABSTRACT

Amaranth is a pseudocereal sparsely commercialized at extensive levels. Its grain is characterized by having a high-protein content of good nutritional quality. Recently, the obtainment of biologically active peptides (BAPs) from proteins of this grain has been a popular research topic. This review focuses on the main procedures for identification and production of BAPs from amaranth grain, on the techniques used for their characterization and on the beneficial health effects found in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the published scientific studies allow to considered amaranth as a potential source of BAPs.

KEYWORDS:

• Amaranthus
• bioactive compounds
• biotechnological processes
• health benefits
• molecular characterization
• proteins