Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica L.) as a Source of Proteins and Bioactive Peptides with Health Benefits: A Review

Abstract

The consumption of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) has increased in recent years due its high content of omega‐3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. This seed also has a high concentration of proteins and essential amino acids, becoming a promising source of bioactive peptides. The objective of this review was to identify the composition and the beneficial effects of chia seeds (S. hispanica L.), their proteins, peptides, and their potential impact on human health. The UniProt database was used to identify the chia proteins and their amino acid sequences. The BIOPEP database was used to analyze the peptides's bioactive potential. A total of 20 proteins were cataloged in chia seed, 12 of those were involved in the regular metabolic processes of the plant cells. However, eight proteins were specifically related to production and storage of plant lipids, thus explaining the high concentration of lipids in chia seeds (around 30%), especially omega‐3 fatty acids (around 20%). The analyses of amino acid sequences showed peptides with bioactive potential, including dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitors, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, and antioxidant capacity. These results correlated with the main health benefits of whole chia seed in humans such as antioxidant capacity, and hypotensive, hypoglycemic, and anticholesterolemic effects. Such relation can be associated with chia protein and peptide compositions and therefore needs further investigation in vitro and in vivo.

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) Seed Total Protein and Protein Fractions Digests Reduce Biomarkers of Inflammation and Atherosclerosis in Macrophages In Vitro

“…[53] Finally, peptides with hydrophobicity ࣘ20 kcal mol −1 are more effective for penetrating the cell membrane and to exercise effects on the molecule. [54] Interestingly, most of the peptides found in DTP and digested protein fractions from chia seed showed these characteristics, [14,32] which may explain the benefits found in the present study.…”

“…[31] Therefore, once protein fractions from chia seed were isolated each one had a specific amino acid composition that, after gastrointestinal digestion, generated a variety of peptides with different amino acid composition and sequences; this leads to specific physicochemical properties and different biological effects in the organism. [14,32] Thus, because of this, each digested protein tested in this study showed distinct effects on the inflammation and atherosclerosis processes.…”

“…When proteins are digested by the gastrointestinal track in humans, the specific enzymes, mainly pepsin, pancreatin, and chymotrypsin, cut the bonds between specific amino acids, forming peptides and/or free amino acids which are absorbed on the small intestine and the peptides get into circulation . Therefore, once protein fractions from chia seed were isolated each one had a specific amino acid composition that, after gastrointestinal digestion, generated a variety of peptides with different amino acid composition and sequences; this leads to specific physicochemical properties and different biological effects in the organism . Thus, because of this, each digested protein tested in this study showed distinct effects on the inflammation and atherosclerosis processes.…”

“…The protein fractions in chia seed contain mostly 11S and 7S proteins with a molecular weight from 15 to 50 kDa, under native conditions . A total of 20 proteins were compiled in chia seed, 12 of those were involved in the regular metabolic processes of the plant cells and 8 were related to production and storage of plant lipids, which can explain the amount of lipids in chia seed …”

“…[13] A total of 20 proteins were compiled in chia seed, 12 of those were involved in the regular metabolic processes of the plant cells and 8 were related to production and storage of plant lipids, which can explain the amount of lipids in chia seed. [14] In human studies, the consumption of chia was related to several beneficial effects such as improvement of insulin resistance, [15] reduction of arterial pressure, prevention of lipid peroxidation, decrease of plasma nitrite concentrations, [16] and C-reactive protein, and increase in adiponectin. [17] The effects of peptides derived from chia protein have been demonstrated by biochemical indicators.…”