Purification of novel anti-inflammatory peptides from enzymatic hydrolysate of the edible microalgal Spirulina maxima

Natural bioactive peptides have been known as ingredients in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. In this study, the potential anti-inflammatory peptides were purified from enzymatic hydrolysate of the edible microalgae Spirulina maxima using gastrointestinal endopeptidases (trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, and pepsin). Purification of the hydrolysate resulted in two peptides with amino acid sequences of LDAVNR (P1, 686 Da) and MMLDF (P2, 655 Da). It was found that peptides P1 and P2 exhibited significant inhibition on the release and production of histamine from antigen-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells. Moreover, the suppressive effect of P1 and P2 on production as well as expression of interleukin-8 in histamine-stimulated EA.hy926 endothelial cells was determined. Notably, the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species from mast cells and endothelial cells was decreased in the presence of P1 or P2. Collectively, the peptides P1 and P2 from S. maxima could be used as functional ingredients with potent anti-inflammatory benefits.