Blood Pressure-Lowering Peptides Discovered in Porcine Liver and Placenta
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.
Quick Facts
What This Study 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.
Key Numbers
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 They Did This
In vitro study using papain digestion of porcine tissues, in silico enzymatic cleavage prediction, HPLC-MS/MS identification, peptide synthesis, and ACE inhibition assays.
Why This Research 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 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.
What This Study Doesn't 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.
Questions This Raises
- ?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?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- FWG and MFLG most potent Two short peptides from porcine tissue showed the strongest ACE inhibition among four candidates tested
- Evidence Grade:
- 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.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025, contributing to the growing evidence base for food-derived bioactive peptides.
- Original Title:
- Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitor Activity of Novel Peptides Derived from Porcine Liver and Placenta.
- Published In:
- Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 30(3) (2025)
- Authors:
- Pearman, Nicholas A, Morris, Gordon A, Smith, Alan M
- Database ID:
- RPEP-12997
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ACE and why is inhibiting it important?
ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) produces a hormone that constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Blocking ACE is the mechanism behind common blood pressure drugs. Finding natural peptides that do the same could offer food-based alternatives.
Could eating pork liver lower blood pressure?
Not directly from this study. While the peptides were extracted from porcine tissue, they were concentrated and purified in a lab. Whether eating these foods would deliver enough active peptide to affect blood pressure is unknown.
Read More on RethinkPeptides
Cite This Study
https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-12997APA
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
MLA
Pearman, Nicholas A, et al. "Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitor Activity of Novel Peptides Derived from Porcine Liver and Placenta.." Molecules (Basel, 2025. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030754
RethinkPeptides
RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE)-Inhibitor Activity of No..." RPEP-12997. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/pearman-2025-angiotensinconverting-enzyme-aceinhibitor-activity
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkPeptides research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.