Lectins in the leaves of Philippine plants with reported wound-healing and insecticidal properties
Professorial Chair Lecture
UPLB Faculty, Staff and Students Professorial Chair Lecture
Place
University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna
Date
2-15-2002
Abstract
Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins or glycoproteins of non-immune origin that can agglutinate cells and/or precipitate glycoconjugates. Some have been reported to be mitogenic while others have been found to have insecticidal properties. Recently, the aloe leaf lectin was implicated to have a role in the plant's medicinal action. Further studies on the properties of lectins are needed if we are to utilize their potential as means for alleviating both health and economic problems. Numerous purified lectins are commercially available but are quite expensive at an average price of US $23.00 per milligram. Thus, there is a need to identify and tap lectin sources that are cheap and readily available.
The Philippines abounds in plants with reported wound-healing and insecticidal properties. It would be interesting to know if these plants have lectins and if these lectins play a role in the reported properties of these plants. This paper reports the isolation, purification and partial characterization of lectins in the leaves of three plants widely distributed in the Philippines, namely, Schefflera odorata (Blanco) Merr. & Rolfe, Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth and Swietenia macrophylla King. Results indicate the potentials of these plants as cheap and locally available lectin sources.
Location
UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)
College
College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
Language
English
Recommended citation
Lacsamana, Marivic S., "Lectins in the leaves of Philippine plants with reported wound-healing and insecticidal properties" (2002). Professorial Chair Lecture. 697.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/professorial_lectures/697