Keep away from hypertension: Antihypertensive peptides attract attention

The research team led by Professor Chen Quanmu, R&D Director of National Chung Hsing University, and Professor Chen Xiaoling, R&D Director of Dayeh University, spent five years using the symbiotic microbial "peptide" fermentation system to develop "novel anti-hypertensive peptides" in animal and cell experiments to prevent and treat the occurrence of prehypertension. They not only obtained patents in many countries, but also won the silver medal of the Ministry of Economic Affairs' "National Invention Award." (Video/Photographer Huang Zhiwen)

Husband and wife team Professor Chen Muquan and Professor Chen Xiaoling spent five years to successfully develop a "novel antihypertensive peptide." (Photography by Huang Zhiwen)

Professor Quanmu Chen, director of research and development at National Chung Hsing University, said that hypertension is an invisible killer of cardiovascular disease. Every year, about 1.8 million people seek outpatient treatment due to hypertension, spending up to 25 billion yuan on health insurance medical expenses. In China, one in four people over the age of 20 suffers from hypertension, and most patients are in the early stages of hypertension. If they fail to prevent or change their eating patterns, they will often have to take hypertension medication for life.

The characteristic of "novel antihypertensive peptides" is that new "peptides" are developed from fermented milk. Not only can they serve as key active ingredients for regulating and lowering blood pressure, but the ingredients are also natural and have no side effects.

Professor Chen Quanmu said that hypertension is an invisible killer of cardiovascular disease. Every year, about 1.8 million people seek outpatient treatment due to hypertension, spending up to 25 billion yuan on health insurance medical expenses. (Photography by Huang Zhiwen)

Professor Chen Xiaoling, director of research and development at Dayeh University, said that existing research has confirmed that bioactive peptides in milk protein have application potential in promoting health. In particular, cow's milk contains high levels of peptides, which are hydrolyzed by a special "kefir" bacteria to produce "peptide" enzymes.

Professor Chen Xiaoling said that the research and development team has signed a contract with Sinochem Biotech for technology transfer. (Photography by Huang Zhiwen)

"Peptides" come from natural proteins. The winning patent belongs to the core technology of novel ingredients, providing a novel and purified anti-hypertensive peptide. The key sequence can be derived from natural proteins, or produced by chemical synthesis and genetic recombination. It can be widely used in food, pharmaceutical-like nutritional products and pharmaceutical products to regulate blood pressure or reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

The invention of this domestic anti-hypertensive ingredient has currently obtained patents in Taiwan, the United States and China. In order to enter the international market, the company will continue to apply for patents in multiple countries. The R&D team has signed a contract with Sinochem Biotech for technology transfer.