Antioxidant Activity of the Phycoerythrobilin Compound Formed from a Dried Korean Purple Laver (Porphyra sp.) during in Vitro Digestion

Abstract

To evaluate the accessibility and function of phycoerythrin (a purple-pigment protein) found in purple laver (Porphyra sp.), antioxidant activity of the phycoerythrobilin compound (chromophore of the pigment protein) formed from the dried Korean purple lavers was determined by in vitro digestion. Results suggest that the apoprotein of phycoerythrin is readily digested to release the phycoerythrobilin compound during the gastrointestinal digestion process of mammals. The peroxy radical scavenging capacity was 2.7-fold greater in the phycoerythrobilin compound than in the purple laver extracts. The various therapeutic activities of phycoerythrin appear to be associated with the phycoerythrobilin compound released during mammalian gastrointestinal digestion.

Inhibition of Mast Cell Degranulation by Phycoerythrin and Its Pigment Moiety Phycoerythrobilin, Prepared from <i>Porphyra yezoensis</i>

“…PEC degranulation was inhibited by approximately 25% and 20% in rats treated orally with phycoerythrin or phycoerythrobilin, respectively. Orally ingested phycoerythrin is assumed to be digested in the gastrointestinal tract and the covalently bound phycoerythrobilin may be released (Yabuta et al, 2010). We speculate that the activity of phycoerythrin in vivo might be due to the absorbed phycoerythrobilin, which is released from phycoerythrin in the digestive tract.…”

Biological activities and health benefit effects of natural pigments derived from marine algae

“…Despite its lower stability to heat and light, phycobiliproteins is considered more versatile than gardenia and indigo, showing a bright blue color in jelly gum and coated soft candies. Recently, Yabuta, Fujimura, Kwak, Enomoto, and Watanabe (2010) demonstrated antioxidant activity of phycoerythrobilin derived from Porphyra sp.…”

Vitamin B12-Containing Plant Food Sources for Vegetarians

“…Purple laver also contains a large amount of a pigment protein, phycoerythrin, which is digested in the intestine to release the covalently linked chromophore moiety, a phycoerthrobilin compound (a potent antioxidant) [64]. …”