Four novel peptides from porcine liver and placenta hydrolysates inhibit ACE, the enzyme targeted by blood pressure medications, with FWG and MFLG showing the strongest activity.
FWG and MFLG most potentTwo short peptides from porcine tissue showed the strongest ACE inhibition among four candidates tested
What the researchers found
Four peptides from porcine liver and placenta (FWG, MFLG, SDPPLVFVG, FFNDA) demonstrated ACE-inhibitory activity, with placenta hydrolysate outperforming both liver hydrolysate and individual synthetic peptides.
Why it matters
Finding natural ACE-inhibiting peptides from food-grade animal byproducts could lead to functional foods or nutraceuticals for blood pressure management, potentially with fewer side effects than pharmaceutical ACE inhibitors.
The numbers in context
Four peptides identified: FWG, MFLG, SDPPLVFVG, FFNDA. FWG and MFLG more potent than SDPPLVFVG and FFNDA. IC50 values comparable to porcine muscle-derived peptides. Less potent than captopril.
How the study worked
In vitro study using papain digestion of porcine tissues, in silico enzymatic cleavage prediction, HPLC-MS/MS identification, peptide synthesis, and ACE inhibition assays.
Who was studied
Not applicable (peptide chemistry)
What this study cannot tell us
In vitro ACE inhibition only — bioavailability, stability in the digestive system, and actual blood pressure effects in living organisms have not been tested.
How to read the evidence
In vitro laboratory study. ACE inhibition in a test tube does not guarantee blood pressure reduction in humans — animal studies and clinical trials would be needed.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, contributing to the growing evidence base for food-derived bioactive peptides.
The bigger picture
This work contributes to the growing field of food-derived bioactive peptides that could offer natural approaches to cardiovascular health management, adding value to animal byproducts that are often discarded.
Questions still open
- Will these peptides survive digestion and remain active when consumed orally?
- How do these natural ACE inhibitors compare in potency to pharmaceutical drugs like captopril?
Common questions
What is ACE and why is inhibiting it important?
Could eating pork liver lower blood pressure?
Read the original research
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitor Activity of Novel Peptides Derived from Porcine Liver and Placenta.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 30(3)
Citation
Pearman, Nicholas A; Morris, Gordon A; Smith, Alan M. (2025). Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitor Activity of Novel Peptides Derived from Porcine Liver and Placenta.. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 30(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030754