Extrusion improved the anti‐inflammatory effect of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) hydrolysates in LPS‐induced human THP‐1 macrophage‐like and mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages by preventing activation of NF‐κB signaling

Scope The objective was to compare the anti‐inflammatory potential of unprocessed and extruded amaranth pepsin/pancreatin hydrolysates in LPS ‐induced human THP ‐1 macrophages‐like and mouse RAW 264.7 macrophages focusing on their anti‐inflammatory mechanism of action related to NF ‐κ B signaling pathway. Methods and results Amaranth hydrolysates were characterized by MS ‐ MS and tested for anti‐inflammatory effects on human and mouse macrophages. Peptides found in extruded amaranth hydrolysates displayed antioxidant capacity, angiotensin converting enzyme‐inhibitor activity, and dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitor activity. Gly‐Pro‐Arg peptide was present and reported as antithrombotic. Extruded amaranth hydrolysates (1 mg/mL) significantly reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha secretion in THP ‐1 and RAW 264.7 cells by 36.5 and 33.5%, respectively; with concomitant reduction in PGE 2 (15.4 and 31.4%), and COX ‐2 (38.1 and 67.6%), respectively. Phosphorylation of IKK ‐α was significantly reduced by 52.5 and 88.2% leading to reduced phosphorylation of IκB‐α (86.1 and 66.2%), respectively; resulting in a reduction in the expression of p65 NF ‐κB subunits in the nucleus by 64.2% for THP ‐1 and 70.7% for RAW 264.7 cells. Conclusion Amaranth hydrolysates inhibited LPS ‐induced inflammation in human and mouse macrophages by preventing activation of NF ‐κB signaling. Extrusion improved anti‐inflammatory effect of amaranth hydrolysates in both cells, which might be attributed to the production of bioactive peptides during processing.