Edestin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Edestin, (also known as Edistin[1]) is a highly-digestible, hexameric legumin protein with six subunits, [2][3][4] and a seed storage protein,[5] with a molecular weight of 310 kDa.[6] This protein is primarily found in hemp seeds.[2] Edestin is a globular protein (biologically active) as opposed to fibrous protein (structural).
Globular proteins found in edestin (and in Alpha 1 globulins, Alpha 2 globulins, Beta globulins, and Gamma globulins) are long peptide chains, precursors for biological proteins essential for life. Edestin is similar to serum globulin (blood plasma), and the biologically active protein of edestin is metabolized in the human body and capable of biosynthesizing:[7][8]
- hormones (which regulate all the body processes),
- hemoglobin (which transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitric oxide),
- enzymes (which catalyze and control biochemical reactions),
- antibodies (immunoglobulins which fend off invading bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens, as well as toxins or antigens as they enter the body).
Edestin can also be broken down to edestan.[9]