Lectin from Crataeva tapia bark exerts antitumor, anti-inflammtory and analgesic activities

Regina M S Araújo,Ana M M Melo,Jaciana S Aguiar,Maria T S Correia,Patrícia M G Paiva,Luana C B B Coelho,Antônio F M Vaz,Teresinha G Silva

doi:10.1007/s13659-011-0014-8

Regina M S Araújo, Ana M M Melo + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13659-011-0014-8

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Abstract

Crataeva tapia bark lectin was evaluated for its antitumor activity against sarcoma 180 in Swiss albino mice. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated in models of inflammation and nociception. The anti-inflammatory assay was induced by carrageenan induced peritonitis and the analgesic activity was induced by acetic acid-induced writhing response. The lectin presents low toxicity with a LD50 of 2,500 mg/kg body weight and significant antitumor activity causing inhibition of tumor growth. The lectin also promoted significant reduction (35.4%) in the number of neutrophil migration induced by carrageenan. Concerning its analgesic property, the lectin inhibits abdominal contractions induced by acetic acid. The current results revealed a lectin with significant antitumoral, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Further investigations to unveil the exact mechanisms are needed.

Highlights

Plants have been a source of medicines for humans since pre-history and it is notable that in the last four decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in the study and use of medicinal plants
Lectins are proteins that can recognize and reversibly bind to carbohydrates or other substances derived from sugars[1]
The low value of LC50 determined by A. salina bioassay indicates compounds with potential antineoplastic properties since there is good correlation between artemicide activity and cytotoxic activity[16]

Summary

Introduction

Plants have been a source of medicines for humans since pre-history and it is notable that in the last four decades, there has been a resurgence of interest in the study and use of medicinal plants. Natural products derived from plants have been characterized and identified as new chemical compounds of therapeutic importance. Lectins are proteins that can recognize and reversibly bind to carbohydrates or other substances derived from sugars[1]. It is well known that despite their small size, sugars play roles in storage or in relaying information within or between cells. Due to their carbohydratespecific interaction, lectins have been versatile and useful molecular tools for the study of glycoconjugates on the cell surface. Are excellent candidates to be explored in cancer research and as therapeutics agents[2,3,4,5]

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