Abstract:

Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin (PVA) was extracted using ultrasonic method from Phaseolus vulgaris in saline solution. The amounts of PVA were 0.312% and 2.91% respectively in fresh Phaseolus vulgaris and its crude extract powder based on their titers using hemagglutination determination method. Mice were orally administered with PVA using Karber's method to conduct acute toxicity experiments. Pathological analysis of gastrointestinal epidermis tissue of treated mice was examined under the microscope using HE staining. Results indicated that LD50 of PVA was 580.23 mg/kg (95% confidence limit, 501.42 – 671.12 mg/kg), which revealed lower toxicity of PVA. Anomalous surface of mucous membrane, expansion and congestion of capillaries, and invasion of inflammatory cells in gastrointestinal epidermis tissue of treated mice were observed. These pathological processes had high relationship with the retention time of PVA in gastrointestinal tract.

Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin, titer, acute toxicity, pathological analysis