Comparison between two extraction methods of plant lectins from Ruta graveolens L. and their partial characterization

Background: Ruta graveolens L. is a plant wich has several uses among different communities, such as an anti inflammatory and antitumor, related to the plant lectins available in their different tissues. Extraction of this molecules is achieved through diverse extraction methods, without knowledge about which one is better to preserve their native structure. In this study two well- documented methods are compared. Results: Lectin-enriched extracts were obtained out of different R . graveolens L. organs, and those were purified trough NaCl salt extraction and Tris-HCl extraction methods. Additionally, several eluents were used in the affinity chromatography method. Conclussion: Lectin-like proteins with affinity to several carbohydrates were found. The NaCl extraction method was more efficient at extracting lectin-like proteins than the Tris-HCl method, comparing to the total-protein extract. These results suggest that Tris-HCl buffer is more efficient to extract other proteins.