Biologically Active Peptides from Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) Grain

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is one of the few plant species where both leaves and grains can be consumed. Among the main species used as producers of edible grains are Amaranthus hypochondriacus, A. cruentus, A. caudatus, and A. mantegazzianus. The grains of these species are characterized by their protein content (13-18%), which has high nutritional value. Additionally, the different protein fractions of the amaranth grain have been shown to contain sequences of biologically active peptides (BAPs) with multiple beneficial bio-functionalities for health. Among these, we can highlight antihypertensive, antioxidant, antitumor, antidiabetic, antithrombotic, anticholesterolemic and immunomodulatory activities. The aim of this chapter is to describe the different biological functionalities of BAPs obtained from the proteins of the amaranth grain, which can be considered a promising natural source of therapeutic agents with potential use in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases. nbsp;