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Health Benefit of Red Algae Phycobiliprotein
Clarifying the health functions and mechanisms of phycoerythrin, which is abundantly contained in red algae dulse
We have discovered that Dulse, an unused red alga distributed along the coast of Hokkaido, is rich in the red protein phycoerythrin (PE), which may have a variety of health functions. Currently, we are analyzing the structure of PE to elucidate the mechanism of its health functions.
Research
Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is a red alga mainly distributed in Hokkaido. It is an unused seaweed that thrives on kelp cultivation ropes during the winter. Dulse prevents the kelp from growing and is thus removed from the ropes. Recently, we have found that Dulse contains approximately 40% protein per dry weight (comparable to soybeans), and its major component is red phycoerythrin (PE), a photosynthetic auxiliary pigment. We have also found that this PE and peptides prepared from PE have health functions, such as ACE inhibition, antioxidation and brain function improvement (Marine Drugs 14:1-10 (2016), Journal of Food Biochemistry, 41: e12301 (2017)).
Hideki Kishimura Professor
