Hemorphin
Opioid / Blood-DerivedAlso known as: Hemorphin-4, Hemorphin-7, LVV-Hemorphin-7
Endogenous Opioid PeptidesResearch phase: PreclinicalRegulatory: Not approved. Endogenous bioactive peptide. Research only.
Mechanism
Hemorphins are opioid peptides derived from the breakdown of hemoglobin. They have mild analgesic and blood pressure-lowering properties.
Technical detail
Hemorphins are a family of peptides (4-10 residues) released from the beta chain of hemoglobin during proteolytic degradation. They bind mu- and delta-opioid receptors and also inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), contributing to vasodilatory and antinociceptive effects.