Biological Properties and Characterization of Lectin from Red Kidney Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris)

Abstract

Red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) contain significant amounts of lectins which have both beneficial and detrimental biological properties. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding glycoproteins that can react specifically with human blood cells, preferentially agglutinate malignant cells, and undergo mitogenic stimulation of lymphocytes. Some lectins are resistant to heat and proteolytic enzymes and can enter the circulatory system intact. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)—a lectin isolated from the red kidney bean—consists of four subunits with a molecular weight of 125 kDa. This bioactive compound has been partially purified by affinity chromatography using Affi-gel Blue. PHA has been shown to inhibit the viral enzymes, immunodeficiency virus type 1 reverse transcriptase (HIV-1 RT), and α- and β-glucosidases. This paper will review the chemical properties, biological activity, distribution, isolation, and heath benefits of red kidney bean lectin.

Keywords:

• Lectins
• biological properties
• bioactivity analysis
• antinutritional factors
• red kidney beans

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the contribution of the Guelph Food Research Center, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC Journal Series No. S386); and China's NSFC Supports (#30571414 and 30640015) to J. Zhang.