Lectin prospecting in Colombian Labiatae. A systematic-ecological approach

This is a study of lectin and mucilage detection in Colombian Labiatae nutlets. It was carried out on 40 taxa belonging to six genera, concerning which no previous studies have been carried out in this field. A differential response was observed in the group of genera and species studied, in terms of mucilage presence as well as lectin activity which consistently increased following extract treatment with Pectinex. Lectin activity was detected in more than 80% of the species, being important (greater than 60% activity) in at least half of the species. Genera such as Hyptis or Lepechinia, whilst not presenting mucilage, did present lectin activity. In contrast, Salvia (in all sections studied) presented mucilage and important lectin activity. In some species, such as S. rubescens, notable intraspecific variations in mucilage and lectin activity were detected; this could have taxonomic relevance. No direct correlation could be established between a class of biotype or a particular habitat having greater lectin activity.  2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

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We would like to thank those entities which have financed part of this study. Funding from the Academia Colombiana de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas and Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Colombia (DIB) and COLCIENCIAS allowed field study, as well as laboratory work, to go ahead. The Department of Chemistry (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) and the Instituto de Ciencias Naturales (Universidad Nacional de Colombia) provided facilities for developing the present study. The José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden in Bogotá collaborated to its full extent and gave help with the cultivation and preservation of the live collection of Labiatae for more than 6 years.

Peer reviewed