Fish Skin Collagen Peptides Show Antioxidant and Blood Pressure-Lowering Properties When Delivered Through Gut-Targeted Capsules

Collagen peptides extracted from codfish skin using a novel green solvent showed antioxidant activity and 39.3% ACE inhibition, and when encapsulated in chitosan capsules, released primarily in the intestine for optimal absorption.

Silva, Isa et al.·Food research international (Ottawa·2024·Preliminary Evidencein vitro
RPEP-09269In vitroPreliminary Evidence2024RETHINKTHC RESEARCH DATABASErethinkthc.com/research

Quick Facts

Study Type
in vitro
Evidence
Preliminary Evidence
Sample
N=N/A (in vitro)
Participants
Codfish skin collagen (laboratory samples)

What This Study Found

Codfish skin collagen hydrolysates achieved 961 µmol TE antioxidant activity and 39.3% ACE inhibition. Chitosan-TPP encapsulation enabled 58% intestinal release in a simulated GI tract model.

Key Numbers

The extraction yielded 2.2% collagen. Antioxidant activity measured at 961 µmol TE. Enzymatic hydrolysis ran for 120 minutes.

How They Did This

In vitro study: collagen extracted from codfish skin using urea:propanoic acid (1:2) deep eutectic solvent (2.2% yield). Enzymatic hydrolysis with alcalase (120 min). Bioactivity assays for antioxidant and ACE inhibition. Encapsulation in chitosan-TPP capsules with simulated GI digestion testing.

Why This Research Matters

Valorizing fish industry waste into health-promoting peptides addresses both sustainability and health goals. The combination of green extraction, demonstrated bioactivity, and targeted gut delivery brings this closer to a viable nutraceutical product.

The Bigger Picture

Marine collagen peptides are a growing segment of the nutraceutical market. This study demonstrates a complete pipeline from sustainable extraction to bioactive peptide production to targeted delivery, addressing the practical challenges of bringing collagen-based health products from concept to consumer.

What This Study Doesn't Tell Us

In vitro study only — no human subjects. ACE inhibition of 39.3% is moderate and may not translate to clinically meaningful blood pressure reduction in vivo. The simulated GI model is simplified compared to real digestion. Long-term stability of the encapsulated peptides was not assessed.

Questions This Raises

  • ?Would oral consumption of these encapsulated peptides produce measurable blood pressure reduction in humans?
  • ?How does the bioactivity of DES-extracted collagen compare to traditional acid/enzyme extraction methods?
  • ?Can this extraction process be scaled economically using real fish processing waste streams?

Trust & Context

Key Stat:
39.3% ACE inhibition Codfish skin collagen peptides inhibited the blood pressure-regulating enzyme ACE, with 58% intestinal delivery via encapsulation
Evidence Grade:
Preliminary evidence from in vitro extraction, bioactivity, and simulated digestion studies. No animal or human validation of health effects.
Study Age:
Published in 2024. Part of the growing field of marine-derived bioactive peptides.
Original Title:
Gastrointestinal delivery of codfish Skin-Derived collagen Hydrolysates: Deep eutectic solvent extraction and bioactivity analysis.
Published In:
Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 175, 113729 (2024)
Database ID:
RPEP-09269

Evidence Hierarchy

Meta-Analysis / Systematic Review
Randomized Controlled Trial
Cohort / Case-Control
Cross-Sectional / ObservationalSnapshot without intervening
This study
Case Report / Animal Study
What do these levels mean? →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can fish skin collagen actually lower blood pressure?

In the lab, these peptides inhibited ACE — the same enzyme targeted by common blood pressure medications. However, the 39.3% inhibition rate is moderate, and it's unknown whether enough active peptide would survive digestion and reach the bloodstream at effective levels. Human studies are needed.

What is a deep eutectic solvent and why use it?

Deep eutectic solvents are mixtures of natural compounds that become liquid when combined. They're considered 'green' alternatives to harsh chemical solvents. In this study, a urea-propanoic acid mixture extracted collagen from fish skin without toxic chemicals, making the process more environmentally friendly.

Read More on RethinkPeptides

Cite This Study

RPEP-09269·https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/RPEP-09269

APA

Silva, Isa; Vaz, Bárbara M C; Sousa, Sérgio; Pintado, Maria Manuela; Coscueta, Ezequiel R; Ventura, Sónia P M. (2024). Gastrointestinal delivery of codfish Skin-Derived collagen Hydrolysates: Deep eutectic solvent extraction and bioactivity analysis.. Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.), 175, 113729. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113729

MLA

Silva, Isa, et al. "Gastrointestinal delivery of codfish Skin-Derived collagen Hydrolysates: Deep eutectic solvent extraction and bioactivity analysis.." Food research international (Ottawa, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113729

RethinkPeptides

RethinkPeptides Research Database. "Gastrointestinal delivery of codfish Skin-Derived collagen H..." RPEP-09269. Retrieved from https://rethinkpeptides.com/research/silva-2024-gastrointestinal-delivery-of-codfish

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.