Summary

　In our laboratory, we are researching the components contained in red algae as a “search for health functional components in red algae, low-utilization resources”. Among them, peptides derived from proteins of red algae are attracting attention as antihypertensive agents for the prevention of hypertension, which have angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory action, and are the most actively studied.

 Wuppleinori (Porphyra pseudolinearis) is a red algae that is used as a raw material for seaweed products. It is also called Iwa-nori, and is known for its great fragrance. We investigated whether such nori products also contain functional peptides.