Edestin
Edestin, is a highly-digestible, hexameric legumin protein, and a seed storage protein, with a molecular weight of 310 kDa. This protein is primarily found in hemp seeds. Edestin is a globular protein as opposed to fibrous protein.
Globular proteins found in edestin are long peptide chains, precursors for biological proteins essential for life. Edestin is similar to serum globulin, and the biologically active protein of edestin is metabolized in the human body and capable of biosynthesizing:
- hormones,
- hemoglobin,
- enzymes,
- antibodies.
Hemp seed
It has been discovered that there are seven cDNAs encoding edestin in Cannabis sativa L., the sequences are distinguished by globulin characteristic. There is a type 1 and type 2 of edestin that are both used in process of the development of hemp seeds. Edestin has been used to help the nutritional quality of plant consumption. Hemp seeds are considered to be fruits from hemp plants, and can be used in several different methods: medicine, food, fiber, or psychoactive adjuvants.Commercial hemp seeds contain an average 30-35% protein, of which 60-80% is edestin. A particular strain of Korean hemp, Cheungsam, because it contains 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, has been suggested for utilization as "a superior antioxidative nutrient".